Can I burn today in Muskoka Lakes?
Muskoka Lakes’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
- 3:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of District Municipality of Muskoka, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Muskoka Lakes requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Muskoka Lakes Fire Department Administration decides — not this page.
unknown — Township's page notes "some applications may be subject to associated fees" without stating validity period
unknown
Apply online at tml.burnpermits.com — per the Township: "To obtain a Burn Permit, go to tml.burnpermits.com/ and fill out the application."
Before lighting any fire, activate the permit via the website or phone number listed on the permit itself (by-law section 4.3) — this is a separate step from applying for the permit.
Check the current Forest Fire Danger Rating before burning; no new permits are sold and existing permits are void during High or Extreme ratings.
Contractors wanting a larger burn pile (up to 3m diameter / 2m height) must request a written exemption through a form approved by the Fire Chief.
Permit required for daytime fires during fire season
When Open Air Fires are permitted during the Fire Season, no Person shall set and/or maintain an Open Air Fire during the Daytime without a valid Permit obtained from the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
Permit activation required before burning
Prior to setting, lighting, or igniting an Open Air Fire, the Permit holder shall notify the Fire Chief by activating the Permit, through one of the following methods: the website listed on the Permit; or by calling the phone number listed on the Permit.
Forest Fire Danger Ratings — what each level allows
LOW: No Daytime burning is allowed between April 1st and October 31st without a Permit. ... MODERATE: No Daytime burning is allowed between April 1st and October 31st without a Permit. ... HIGH: Daytime burning is prohibited and Permits are void. No new Permits will be sold. Fireworks are prohibited. Fires are permitted to cook food on a grill, Barbecue, or spit and for warmth. ... EXTREME: Total Fire Ban; no Open Air Burning is permitted including a campfire or a fire on a charcoal Barbeque, an outside wood burning furnace or a stove. All current Permits are suspended and Fireworks are prohibited.
Open air fire — size and setback
an Open Air Fire shall not be located within 6 metres, from any Combustible Material; at least a 1.5 metre perimeter shall be maintained around the location of the Open Air Fire that is made up of Non-Combustible Material; an Open Air Fire shall not be permitted to exceed 1 metre in diameter and 1 metre in height.
Wind limit
Open Air Fires are prohibited when the wind velocity exceeds 16 kph, (10mph), as per the Environment Canada website for the closest weather monitoring station.
Prohibited materials
only clean, dry seasoned wood or Yard Waste shall be burned in an Open Air Fire; Hazardous Materials shall not be burned.
Contractor exemption for larger fires
Notwithstanding Section 5.1.4, a Contractor may request in writing, through a form approved by the Fire Chief, an exemption from the 1 metre in diameter and 1 metre in height requirement. The Fire Chief may approve an Open Air Fire to a maximum of 3 metres in diameter and 2 metres in height subject to any additional requirements deemed necessary by the Fire Chief.
Fine for failing to activate an obtained permit
Failed to activate permit — 4.3 — $50.00 (Schedule 'A')
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Muskoka Lakes — 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 — Muskoka Lakes Fire Department Administration decides.