Can I burn today in Cobourg?
Cobourg’s by-law does not set out what each fire danger rating allows, so this page cannot tell you whether today is a burning day. Today’s rating is beside this, and the fire hall below has the answer.
- Air quality (AQHI)
- 2 · Low risk
- Measured at
- Peterborough
- Observed
- 4:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Northumberland County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Cobourg requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Cobourg Fire Department decides — not this page.
Not stated in by-law text; fee set annually by Council resolution (2025 fee schedule figure used here)
Not stated in by-law text; fee set annually by Council resolution (2025 fee schedule figure used here)
Small, supervised, confined recreational/camp-style fires meeting the Section 4(a) distance requirements need no permit. Fires on farm lands or construction sites require a permit from the Chief Fire Official
Contact Cobourg Fire Department (111 Elgin St. E.) to apply and pay the applicable Residential ($75) or Commercial ($200) fee per the Town's 2025 fee schedule.
Permit / approval required (Section 3(a))
No person shall set or maintain a fire except as: (i) may be permitted by this By-law; or (ij) may be approved by the Chief Fire Official: or (lil) may by permitted by the Ontario Fire Code.
Recreational campfire exemption (Section 4(a))
A fire for recreational, camp-style purposes may be set at any time or times without a permit under this By-law subject to the following precautionary requirements: (i) Such fire shall be supervised by a responsible person at all times: and (ii) Such fire shall be kept amall, safely confined and under control at all times; and (iii) Such fire shall be kept a minimum distance of 3 metres from the nearest property line, shrub, overhanging trees or other combustible materials, and 10 metres from the nearest building or other combustible structures.
Farm/construction permit requirement (Section 4(c))
Except as provided in Paragraph 4(a) of this By-law, no fire shall be set or maintained by any person on farm lands or on a construction site except in accordance with the terms and provisions of a permit issued by the Chief Fire Official.
Fee set by Council (Section 4(e))
The fee for the above-mentioned type of permit shall be set annually by Council by by-law or resolution.
Chief Fire Official order to extinguish (Section 5)
The Chief Fire Official may order that any fire (whether permitted by this By-law or not) be extinguished where; i) the Chief Fire Official deems the fire to be unsafe' or ii) the Chief Fire Official deems that the fire or the smoke therefrom is causing discomfort to neighbouring land owners or occupants.
Prohibited Debris (definitions, Section 1(g))
"Prohibited Debris" ehall mean any brush, yard waste, household garbage, treated or painted lumber, construction debris, plastics, rubber, product or other thing that, when bumed, may result in the release to the atmosphere of dense smoke, offensive odours or deleterious substances Including but not limited to petraleum based products, tires, rubber, plastic, pathological waste, household refuse.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Cobourg — free, for any municipality, customer or not. See it and get the link.
By-laws change. This page summarises public documents and is not legal advice or permission to burn — Cobourg Fire Department decides.