Can I burn today in Haldimand County?
Haldimand County’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
- Hamilton Mountain
- Observed
- 2:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Haldimand County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Haldimand County requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Haldimand County Fire Department / Fire Prevention decides — not this page.
Calendar year of issue (expires December 31)
A recreational open-air fire (max 1 cubic metre) is deemed approved without a separate application if the by-law's standing conditions (zoning category, setbacks, wind ≤20 km/hr, no air quality alert, etc.) are met. For a non-recreational (e.g. rural agricultural) open-air fire, submit a completed application and the prescribed fee to the Fire Department before burning — either online via the myHC resident portal (myhc.haldimandcounty.ca, requires property tax account activation) or in person at the County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.
General approval requirement (Section 4)
THAT no person shall conduct or permit an open-air fire within the boundaries of Haldimand County unless approved by the Fire Chief.
Permit definition
"Permit" means an open-air fire burn permit issued annually (calendar year) by Haldimand County in accordance with the provisions of this By-law.
Recreational fire size (Section 8)
THAT every person shall ensure that open-air fire devices: are designed of a non-combustible material; do not exceed the fire burn area of 1m x 1m x 1m or 1 cubic meter in size; and are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation, or if homemade, the screen size must be specified and approved by the Fire Department.
Recreational setbacks (Sections 12–13)
THAT every person shall ensure that a recreational open air fire is conducted in an area that provides a minimum distance of 4 meters in all directions from adjacent properties. THAT every person shall ensure that a recreational open air fire is confined to an area that is a minimum of 10 meters from permanent combustible structures or objects.
Recreational wind/weather/advisory conditions (Section 17)
THAT no person shall conduct recreational open-air fires when the wind speed exceeds 20 km per hour or changes direction frequently or during rainy or foggy weather or at times when an air quality alert has been declared by the Ministry of the Environment or any successor and relevant Ministry or during a burn ban issued by the fire chief as per section 41 of this by-law.
Non-recreational permit application and fee (Section 26)
THAT every person wishing to conduct a non-recreational open-air fire pursuant to the provisions of this by-law shall file: a completed application prior to the open-air burn, in the form provided by the Fire Department; the fee prescribed by the Haldimand County user fees and service charges by-law as amended from time to time.
Non-recreational burn hours (Section 31)
THAT no person shall conduct or cause to be kindled any non-recreational open-air fire before sunrise or after sunset.
Non-recreational wind/weather/advisory conditions (Sections 34–35)
THAT every person shall ensure that non-recreational open-air fires are not conducted during rainy or foggy weather or on humidex or air quality alert days as declared by the Ministry of Environment for Ontario or any successor and relevant Ministry or during a burn ban issued by the fire chief as per section 41 of this by-law. THAT every person shall ensure that non-recreational open-air fires are not conducted when the wind speed exceeds 20 km per hour or when wind direction is frequently changing.
Non-recreational setback (Section 36)
THAT every person shall ensure that a non-recreational open-air fire is confined to an area which is at least 60 meters from any building, highway, road or wooded area and shall be clear of any overhead objects (i.e. wires).
Fire Ban discretion (Section 44)
THAT nothing in this by-law prohibits the Fire Chief from issuing a ban on any or all Open-Air Fires or from suspending, without recourse, any or all burn Permits.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Haldimand County — 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 — Haldimand County Fire Department / Fire Prevention decides.