Can I burn today in Essa?
Essa’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
- Barrie
- Observed
- 3:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of County of Simcoe, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Essa requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Essa Township Fire Department decides — not this page.
Issuance to end of calendar year
Apply online via the Township's Burn Permit e-commerce form (forms.essatownship.on.ca/Burn-Permit) for permits not requiring inspection, or contact the Fire Department for larger burns requiring a site inspection
Only the property owner, lessee, or an authorized agent may apply.
Permit required (Section 3.1)
No person(s), lessee(s) or owner(s) of land shall set a fire or permit the setting of a fire without first having obtained an authorized burn permit.
Permit expiry (Section 3.4)
The permit shall expire at the end of each calendar year.
Recreational/Camp Fire and Open Air Burn conditions (Section 4.1-4.2)
Recreational/Camp Fire: shall only burn clean, dry seasoned wood; shall ensure the fire is no larger than 1.5 feet x 1.5 feet/0.5 metre x 0.5 metre... Open Air - Burn Permit: shall not set a fire that is larger than 3 feet x 3 feet/1 metre x 1 metre in area... shall ensure that the fire is not set within 33 feet/10 metre clearance from nearest dwelling or structure.
Smog alert (Section 5.11)
Not set fire when smog alerts have been issued for Simcoe County.
Wind and weather (Section 5.8-5.9)
Not set fire when rain or fog is present. Not set fire when wind is in such a direction or of such intensity so as to reduce the visibility on any roadway, cause danger to any person or structure or cause a nuisance.
Fee (Section 6.1)
The fee for a permit issued under this By-law shall be in accordance with the Township of Essa's Schedule of Fees and Charges By-law, as amended.
Set fines (Part I Provincial Offences Act)
Burning without a permit: $125.00. Setting fire when smog alerts have been issued for Simcoe County: $125.00. Setting fire during a burn ban within the Township of Essa: $125.00.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Essa — 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 — Essa Township Fire Department decides.