Can I burn today in Norfolk County?

Open-Air Fire definition (Part 1(s))

"Open-Air Fire" means any fire set outdoors or any fire set in a device or appliance located outside of a building; but does not include fires in incinerators or fires in devices installed outside of a building and that are used as a source of heat or power for the building or that are ancillary to a manufacturing process, and provided that such device is certified for the purpose by a recognized and appropriate agency.

Weather/wind/advisory conditions for all fires (Part 2.1(k))

Burning must not be carried out when: 1) Rain, fog or smog appears to be present; smoke cannot disperse properly and may be concentrated in one particular area under these conditions; or, 2) Wind speeds are above 20km/h or wind directions are changing frequently enough to cause fire to spread rapidly; or, 3) The Ministry of the Environment has issued a Smog Advisory or Smog Alert applicable to the area; or there is poor air quality.

Automatic suspension – high/extreme fire weather index (Part 2.1(l))

Except for approved camp grounds, all open air fires shall automatically be suspended during such periods and in such areas where the Fire Chief or designate has determined that there exists a high or extreme fire weather index (FWD or other hazardous conditions and a burn ban has been declared. The Fire Chief may declare a total ban against outdoor burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous, and may also include a ban on the discharge of consumer fireworks.

Recreational fire exemption (Part 3.1)

A recreational fire does not require a permit and is allowed provided that the fire meets all of the following provisions: a) That the fire is for the provision of warmth or recreation... d) All recreation fires must be limited in size to 66cm (26 inches) in any direction. e) The fire shall only be conducted between the hours of sunrise and 12:00 am.

Burn barrel setbacks (Part 3.3(e))

The barrel must be located at least 4 metres (13.1 feet) from any combustibles and property lines and 30 metres (100 feet) from any occupied building that is located on an adjacent property.

Permit required for leaf/tree/other material burning (Part 4.1)

A burn permit is required if you want to burn leaves, tree clippings or other similar materials as outlined in schedule A of this bylaw. A burn permit issued under this section shall require compliance with all applicable provisions of this bylaw and any additional restrictions deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of the public.

Setback for permitted burns (Part 4.1(b))

Fires shall be located at least 30 metres (98.43 feet) away from any building, combustible structure, combustible vegetation, accumulation of combustible materials, or as measured on the ground horizontally from any overhead wires carrying electricity and property lines.

Agricultural fire sizing (Part 4.2(b))

Materials to be burned must not exceed 53 square metres (570 square feet) in area and 2 metres (6.5 feet) in height without an approved burn safety plan, and with the safety plan, the materials to be burned shall not exceed 200 square metres (2153 square feet) in area and 5 metres (16.4 feet) in height.

Agricultural wind threshold (Part 4.2(h))

Open air fires are not permitted when gusting or sustained wind speeds exceed 30 kilometers per hour (18.64 miles per hour) unless approved by the Fire Chief or designate.

Prohibited fires (Part 6)

No one shall install, use, and maintain an unlicensed incineration device for the burning of garbage or other refuse in any class or classes of building that was erected after September, 1966. The use of flying sky lanterns is prohibited.

Non-transferable, non-refundable permit fee (Part 2.1(o), (q))

Burn permits are non-transferable. The fee collected for each burn permit is non-refundable regardless of whether or not the privileges granted under the permit have been exercised. No adjustment or refund of fee shall be provided due to suspension or revocation of any burn permit.

Revocation and reapplication bar (Part 7(b))

Any Burn Permit holder who is in violation of this By-Law may have their Burn Permit summarily revoked and all fires may be immediately extinguished or may be caused to be extinguished. The permit holder will not be eligible to apply for a new permit for a period of 60 days.