Can I burn today in Owen Sound?
Owen Sound’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
- Tiverton
- Observed
- 2:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Grey County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. A fire ban can be declared at any time. Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services decides — not this page.
No permit or fee is required for a Cooking Fire or Recreational Fire that complies with the by-law's size, setback, hours (not between 2am-2pm), and material restrictions. A Ceremonial or Special Purpose Fire requires a written exemption request to the Fire Chief or City Council.
General prohibition (Section 7)
No person, owner or occupant shall set a Fire or allow a Fire to continue burning in the City other than a Ceremonial Fire, a Cooking Fire or a Recreational Fire.
Smog alert / fire ban (Section 10)
No person shall set a Fire or allow a Fire to continue burning during a smog alert or a fire ban declared by the Fire Department.
No fire pit on multiple-dwelling/townhouse property (Section 13)
No person shall set a recreational fire on a property that contains a multiple dwelling unit or townhouse.
Recreational Fire hours (Section 23)
No person shall set a Recreational Fire or allow a Recreational Fire to continue burning between 2:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Recreational Fire weather restriction (Section 24)
No person shall set a Recreational Fire or allow a Recreational Fire to continue burning where: a. rain or fog is present; or b. the wind may endanger a person or structure or cause the fire, ash or cinders to spread beyond the perimeter of the Recreational Fire.
Recreational Fire sizing (Section 22)
the device is setback 3 meters from buildings, structure, decks, combustibles and all lot lines... the enclosure is less than 0.46 square meters/5 square feet in size; and... the height of the flame is less than 45 cm.
Ceremonial/Special Purpose Fire exemption (Section 26)
Upon request, the Chief or City Council, at their discretion, may authorize in writing an exemption to this by-law for a Ceremonial or Special Purpose Fire deemed a public benefit.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Owen Sound — 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 — Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services decides.