Can I burn today in Essex?
Essex’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)
- 3 · Low risk
- Measured at
- Windsor
- Observed
- 5:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Essex County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Essex requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Essex Fire and Rescue decides — not this page.
Date(s) specified on the permit
Register and apply online at townofessex.burnpermits.com (the Town's live, BurnPermits.com-powered portal) or apply in person
Permits are free of charge
Camp fires, cooking fires, and enclosed fires meeting the by-law's size/setback conditions do not require a permit.
Permit required (Section 2.8)
No person shall set or allow an open air fire to burn without first having obtained a permit from the Fire Chief of Designate.
Smog Alert Days (Section 2.5)
No person shail set or maintain any fire when rain or fog is present, or at times that are deemed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change as Smog Alert Days or when other adverse atmospheric conditions or local circumstances warrant.
Size, setback, hours conditions on a permitted fire (Section 2.9)
Notwithstanding the issuance of a permit in accordance with this by-law, no person shall set or maintain an open air fire: ... b) when the material to be burned is greater than 3 feet (91 centimeters) by 3 feet (91 centimeters) by 3 feet (91 centimeters) or the limit set by the Fire Chief or Designate; c) when the distance is less than 21 feet (7 meters) or the limit set by the Fire Chief or Designate from any building, structure, hedge, fence, roadway of any kind or nature, overhead wiring or property line; d) after sunset and prior to sunrise on the day or days as specified by the permit.
Camp fire exemption (Section 3.3)
Camp fires do not require a permit provided that: ... c) the size of the burn area is no larger than 2 feet (61 centimeters) by 2 feet (61 centimeters by 2 feet (61 centimeters); d) the perimeter of the camp fire is to be a minimum of 15 feet (4.5 meters) away from any property line and a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) from permanent combustible structures or objects or the limit set by the Fire Chief or Designate.
Fire ban and permit revocation (Section 4.5)
The Fire Chief or Designate may refuse to issue or may revoke any or all permits; or where in the opinion of the Fire Chief or Designate a situation exists that is not appropriate for burning, a fire ban may be issued for any or all areas within the Town of Essex.
Permit contact provision repealed (former Section 4.6, repealed by By-Law 2287)
That Section 4.6 of By-Law 1399 that states "Permits may be issued by calling the Town of Essex Fire Department Administration at 519-776-7132 on Monday, Thursday and Friday and at 519-776-6476 on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Weekend permits must be requested during regular business hours" be repealed.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Essex — 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 — Essex Fire and Rescue decides.