Can I burn today in North Kawartha?
North Kawartha’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
- Peterborough
- Observed
- 4:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Peterborough County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. North Kawartha requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. North Kawartha Fire Department decides — not this page.
12 months
3 months
12 months
Apply through the Township's own online form (forms.northkawartha.ca/Fire-Department/Residential-Fire-Burning-Permit), at the Township Office, or at designated locations (Woodview General Store, Anstruther Marina) during operating hours. Fire must be supervised by a competent person 16+, kept within size/clearance limits, and not lit before 6pm / after 8am during fire season (Apr 1 - Oct 31).
Permit required and fees (Section 2.2)
NO “person” shall set out “fire” without first obtaining a fire permit. Fees for said permits shall be as follows: a) Residential Fire permit - 12 month - FREE b) Contractors Fire permit – 3 month - $50.00 c) Campground, Trailer Park, Resort Fire Permit – 12 month - $50.00 (No daytime burning during the Ministry of Natural Resources Fire Season, April 1 to October 31, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM).
Campfire — defined (Section 1.1)
CAMPFIRE - shall mean a “Fire”, having a maximum fuel volume of 0.6 meter x 0.6 meter x 0.6 meter height. (2 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet), that is set and maintained solely for the purposes of cooking food, providing warmth or recreational enjoyment and where; i) The site of the fire is bare rock or other non-combustible material. ii) The fire is at least 3 meters (9.9 feet) from any flammable material.
Wind / weather conditions (Sections 2.10-2.11)
No Open Air Burning shall be commenced or maintained when the wind is in such a direction or intensity to cause any or all of the following: a) The possible spread of the fire beyond the approved burn site; b) A decrease in the visibility on any highway or roadway; c) Any odor to such an extent or degree so as to cause discomfort to the persons in the immediate areas; and/or d) Excessive smoke or any other “Adverse Effect”; e) Any “Dangerous Condition”; No Open Air Burning shall be commenced or maintained when rain or fog is present or weather conditions prevent the ready dispersion of smoke.
Fire season hours (Section 2.16)
During the “Ministry of Natural Resources Fire Season” no “Open Air Burning shall be allowed between the time of 08:00 hours (8:00 AM) until 18:00 hours (6:00 PM) each day, seven (7) days a week.
Flying Lanterns banned (By-law 2018-085, amending Section 2)
Flying lantern is a small hot air balloon made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended. Also known as sky lantern... No person shall ignite or use a flying lantern.
Response Fee Schedule (Schedule “D”)
First hour or part thereof per fire unit vehicle $ 410.00 / Each half hour thereafter or part thereof per fire unit vehicle $ 205.00 / Fire response pay per man and man hour or part thereof at current pay rate per firefighter for incident response
Fine Schedule (Schedule “E”)
First offense $ 75.00 / Second offense $ 150.00 / Third and successive offenses $ 300.00. The registered “Owner” will be the one fined as per above.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for North Kawartha — 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 — North Kawartha Fire Department decides.