Can I burn today in Howick?
Howick’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. Howick requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Township of Howick Fire Department decides — not this page.
Annual
7 days after registration, site inspection, and approval
Only residents outside the urban settlement areas (Gorrie, Wroxeter, Fordwich, Belmore, Lakelet) may purchase the annual Open-Air Burn Permit ($50/year)
Apply online at howick.burnpermits.com or in person at the Municipal Office (44816 Harriston Rd, Gorrie), paying by cash, debit, or cheque. Non-conforming burns (urban, oversized rural, institutional/commercial/industrial land, active construction sites) require a Special Exemption Burn Permit ($50/instance, 7-day validity) with a mandatory site inspection by the Chief Fire Official. All fires must be reported to the fire department (via the portal or the toll-free automated line) prior to being lit, regardless of permit type. Recreational fires under 1 metre in diameter do not require a permit.
Permit requirement (Section 2.1)
No person shall set an open-air fire or allow an open-air fire to burn without first purchasing and registering an open-air burn permit with the Township on an annual basis or by purchasing and registering a special exemption burn permit with the Township and having a site inspection completed and approved by the Chief Fire Official.
Urban area restriction (Section 2.2)
No person shall set a fire or allow a fire to burn in the open-air in any "urban area" within the Township of Howick except for a contained recreational fire (as defined in section 1.9 above) without an approved special exemption burn permit.
Rural area size limit (Section 2.3)
No person shall set a fire or allow a fire to burn in the open air in any "rural area" within the Township of Howick greater than three (3) metres in diameter without an approved special exemption burn permit.
Wind/smog/nuisance restriction (Section 2.11)
No person shall set or allow a fire to burn when: a) the direction or intensity of the wind may cause smoke to decrease visibility on any highway, road or street; b) the direction or intensity of the wind may cause the spread of fire; c) said fire may cause odour or smoke to such an extent or degree as to result in discomfort to persons, hazard to health, loss of enjoyment or normal use of property; d) a smog alert has been issued for the area; e) a fire ban has been declared by the Chief Fire Official.
Special Exemption Burn Permit (definitions, Section 1.12)
"Special Exemption Burn Permit" shall mean a permit required for open-air fires not conforming to the provisions of this by-law; purchased and registered with the Township on an as-needed basis. A special exemption burn permit shall be valid for a period of seven (7) days after registration, site inspection, and approval by the Chief Fire Official.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Howick — 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 — Township of Howick Fire Department decides.