Can I burn today in Georgian Bay?
Georgian Bay’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
- Dorset
- Observed
- 5:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of District Municipality of Muskoka, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Georgian Bay requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Georgian Bay Fire and Emergency Services Department decides — not this page.
Annual — January 1 to December 31; must be renewed each year
Apply for a burn permit online — per the Township: "Burn Permits can now be purchased online through our application."
Alternatively, apply in person at the Township Office (99 Lone Pine Road, Port Severn) or at the Honey Harbour, MacTier, or Port Severn library branches.
Processing takes up to 3 business days; per the Township, applicants "must wait to receive official confirmation and a valid permit from the Fire Department before conducting any burning."
Check the current Fire Danger Rating before burning — no new permits are issued and existing permits are suspended when the rating is High or Extreme (by-law sections 2(e)(iii)-(iv) and 14).
Before burning, check the current fire rating on the Township's website or call 1-877-847-1577 for the Muskoka Fire Rating, or call the Georgian Bay Fire Department at 705-538-2337 (the by-law's own printed permit form lists 705-538-2765; the Township's current website lists 705-538-2337 — both numbers recorded, current site number treated as more likely current).
Permit required for all fires; annual validity
No person shall set or maintain an open air fire unless a permit has been issued by the township under this by-law; A permit obtained under this by-law is valid from January 1st and December 31st of any given year and a new permit must be obtained each year.
Fire Danger Ratings — what each level allows
LOW: No open air burning is allowed between January 1st and December 31st without a permit. ... MODERATE: Burn with caution; No open air burning is allowed between January 1st and December 31st without a permit. ... HIGH: No open air burning is allowed unless being used solely for the purpose of cooking or warmth. Burn Permits will not be issued. Fireworks are banned. ... EXTREME: Total Fire Ban; No open air burning is permitted including for cooking or warmth. All current permits are suspended and fireworks are banned.
Non-recreational fire (bonfire) — size, setback
The fire shall not be located within 15 meters, (50 feet), from any building, vehicle, structure, hedge, fence, road or overhead wire or combustible obstruction of any kind; There must be space of at least 4.5 meters, (15 feet) free and clear of combustible material around the perimeter of such fire; The dimensions of the fire shall not exceed 2 meters, (6 feet) in diameter and 2 meters (6 feet), in height, any person who wishes to set a fire larger than these dimensions must first obtain permission from the Fire Chief or his designate.
Recreational fire (campfire) — size, setback
The fire shall not be located closer than 6 meters,(20 feet), from any building vehicle, structure, hedge, fence, road or overhead wire or obstruction of any kind; The fire shall not exceed 1 meters (3 feet), in diameter and 1 meter (3 feet) in height; Recreational fires (campfires) are not permitted when the fire danger rating is extreme.
Wind limit (all fires)
Open air fires are not permitted when the wind velocity exceeds 16km/hour (10 miles/hour), as per the Environment Canada Website.
Prohibited materials
No person shall burn any kitchen garbage, treated or painted lumber/construction materials or materials made/or containing rubber, plastic, tar, or other hazardous material.
High/Extreme rating — no new permits issued
During conditions when the fire danger rating is high or extreme burn permits will not be issued to the public, until such a time as the fire danger rating has been reduced to moderate or low.
Permit application form's stated fire-response charge (Schedule B)
The current Ministry of Transportation rate charged shall be a minimum of $477.00 per fire apparatus for every hour or part thereof that the fire department is on site.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Georgian Bay — 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 — Georgian Bay Fire and Emergency Services Department decides.