Can I burn today in Goderich?
Goderich’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
- Grand Bend
- Observed
- 5:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Huron County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Goderich requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Town of Goderich (Fire and Emergency Management / Town Hall) decides — not this page.
Date indicated on the Permit, or 7 days after issuance, whichever is shorter
No permit needed for a Recreational Fire (max 60cm x 60cm x 60cm, contained, 11am-11pm) or a barbeque. For other Open Air Burning, apply in writing to the Fire Chief for a Burn Permit at least 24 hours before the planned burn using the Town's Open-Air Burn Permit Application Form
Notify the Fire Chief on the day of burning.
General prohibition (Section 2.1)
No person shall set, maintain, or permit to be set or maintained, an Open Air Burning except as authorized under this By-law.
Recreational Fire conditions (Section 3.1)
(2) A person conducting Open Air Burning shall comply with the following conditions for Open Air Burning for a Recreational Fire: (a) shall only conduct Open Air Burning from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m....(e) shall not burn or attempt to burn a volume of combustible material greater than 60 centimetres wide by 60 centimetres long by 60 centimetres high; (f) shall locate the Recreational Fire at least 3 metres from any building, structure, property line, tree, hedge, fence, roadway, or other combustible article.
Burn Permit process (Section 3.2)
Any person may make an application in writing to the Fire Chief for a Burn Permit to authorize Open Air Burning or allow Open Air Burning in an authorized container within the Town of Goderich...(5) A Permit shall only be valid for the date indicated on the Permit or 7 days after the Permit has been issued, whichever is shorter.
Wind/weather/smog conditions (Section 3.3(1))
(h) shall not conduct Open Air Burning if the wind speed exceeds 15 km per hour; (i) shall not burn if it is rainy or foggy; (j) shall not burn if a Smog Alert has been declared;
Burn Ban (Section 4)
Notwithstanding the provisions of this By-law, the Fire Chief may institute a burn ban at any time, as may be deemed necessary in the opinion of the Fire Chief and it is in the interests of public safety. No person, organization, partnership, company or group shall be entitled to a Burn Permit during a burn ban.
Offences and set fines (Section 9 / Schedule 1)
Any person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding $5,000 exclusive of costs...That set fines shall be $125.00.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Goderich — 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 — Town of Goderich (Fire and Emergency Management / Town Hall) decides.