Can I burn today in Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands?
Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands’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
- Sudbury
- Observed
- 3:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Manitoulin District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. NEMI Fire Department decides — not this page.
Calendar year (January 1 - December 31), Wards 1, 3, and 4 only
Apply in person at the Municipal Office (14 Water Street East, Little Current) to complete a Burning Permit Application
Up to 3 days notice preferred
The Town's own Fire Department page confirms the permit is free of charge
Permit must be kept at the burn site.
Ward 2 (Little Current) device restriction (Section 2.2-2.3)
No person shall use a Burn Barrel for the purposes of an outdoor fire burning device in ward 2. No person in Ward 2 (Town of Little Current) shall start an outdoor fire other than in a CSA approved device such as a Chiminea, or other device, approval of the Chief Fire Official as per Appendix "A" which forms part of this by-law.
Wind conditions (Section 2.7)
No person shall start or tend any fire outdoors when the wind conditions are such that it may cause any of the following: 2.7.1 A decrease in visibility on any highway or road; 2.7.2 The rapid spread of fire through grass, brush, forested area or other property that was not intended to be burned; 2.7.3 An adverse impact on other people or property; 2.7.4 The contravention of any municipal law, provincial or federal legislation.
High/Extreme Fire Hazard suspension (Section 2.8)
No person shall start or tend a fire outdoors during a period of High or Extreme Fire Hazard.
Open Air Fire size and distance (Section 3.1.3, 3.1.5)
the material is burned in a single pile that is no more than 2 metres in diameter and no more than 2 metres high;(i.e.: brush or clean wood products) (6 feet by 6 feet)... the fire is at least 8 metres from any combustible Structures or objects; (26 feet)
Permit application requirement (Section 3.1.9)
the person responsible for the fire shall complete an application for a burning permit at the municipal office and shall be approved by Chief Fire Official.
Heavily populated area restriction (Section 3.1.11)
Open Air Fires are not permitted in heavily populated areas of the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.
Campfire size (permit-exempt, Section 4.1.1)
No person shall start or tend a campfire outdoors for the purpose of cooking or warmth unless all of the following conditions are met: the fire does not exceed 66 centimetres in diameter (26") and 1 metre (3')in height.
Annual permit period (Section 8.1)
Burn permits are required the first day of January to the last day of December each year in Wards 1, 3, 4.
Automatic revocation (Section 9.2)
Every Burn Permit shall be automatically revoked without further action by the Chief Fire Official or Designate in the event that: a restricted fire zone is declared under the Forest Fire Prevention Act... or the Chief Fire Official or Designate declare a fire ban.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands — 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 — NEMI Fire Department decides.