Can I burn today in Norwich?
Norwich’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
- London
- Observed
- 1:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Oxford County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Norwich requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Township of Norwich Fire & Protective Services decides — not this page.
Per Township's live Fire and Protective Services page: valid for as long as the resident owns the property (not independently verified against the by-law's own text)
Recreational fires for cooking or warmth are permitted without a permit if Schedule A conditions are met. Other open-air burning (agricultural use, generally rural, not issued within villages/settlements) requires a Burn Permit Application submitted at least 5 working days ahead, available online, by phone/fax, or in person at the municipal office.
General prohibition (Section 2)
From and after the passing of this By-Law, no person, either directly or through agents, servants or workmen, shall set fire to bum or cause or permit to be burned in the open-air within the Township of Norwich any material or building or structure whether standing or demolished or any part thereof subject only to the exceptions herein.
Permit terms (Section 3)
3.1 That no provincial enactment, law or regulation shall be infringed by the setting of such fire. 3.3 No such fire shall be set on any street, parks, private or public property that in the opinion of the Chief Fire Official or designate is deemed to be a built-up residential area.
Application lead time (Section 4)
All requests for burning permits shall be made at least five (5) working days in advance of the date of the proposed burn.
Cooking/warmth exemption (Section 6)
A fire for legitimate cooking or for personal warmth is permitted without the approval of the Chief Fire Official in the form of a Fire Permit, provided the fire conforms to the Recreational Burning requirements prescribed in Schedule A of this By-Law.
Smog days (Section 10)
Fire permit holders shall refrain from burning on known smog days, the Chief Fire Official reserves the right to ban all fires on such days.
Recreational burning conditions (Schedule A, 1.2.1)
(a) Open-air burnings may be conducted between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and midnight only. (c) Open-air burnings shall be confined to non-combustible containers or to a pit that is specifically designed for open air burning providing the container or pit is no larger than two (2) feet (61 centimetres) by two (2) feet (61 centimetres) with flames not exceeding (2) feet (61 centimetres) in height. (j) Open-air burnings are not permitted when the wind speed exceeds fifteen (15) kilometres per hour or during rainy or foggy weather or at times when a smog alert or has been declared or a fire ban has been implemented.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Norwich — 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 Norwich Fire & Protective Services decides.