Can I burn today in Pelham?
Pelham’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
- St. Catharines
- Observed
- 3:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Niagara Region, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Pelham requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Pelham Fire Department decides — not this page.
calendar year (initial); annual renewal $25
unknown — application at least 24 hours before the proposed burn
A barbecue used purely for cooking food needs no permission at all, subject to placement rules.
Recreational open-air burning (open burning devices/fire burn areas, max 0.6m x 0.6m x 0.6m) needs written permission from the Fire Chief for the calendar year; a first-time applicant gets a site inspection.
Contact the Fire Department at 905-892-2607 ext. 201 or email szappitelli@pelham.ca with name, phone number and address to apply.
Pay $50 for the initial permit, $25 for annual renewal; the permit is valid from date of issue until the end of the calendar year.
Burning is barred outright when wind exceeds 20 km/hr, during rain/fog, or when a smog alert has been declared — for both recreational and rural non-recreational burning.
Rural non-recreational open air burning (larger piles, 200ft/60m from buildings/roads/wooded areas) needs at least 24 hours' advance notice to the Fire Chief.
General approval requirement
Subject to Sections 2.2 and 2.3 herein, no person shall conduct or permit to be conducted, an Open Air Burning within the boundaries of the Town of Pelham unless permission has first been granted by the Fire Chief or designate.
Recreational open-air burning — written permission required (functions as the permit)
Notwithstanding Section 2.1 herein, permission to conduct recreational open-air burning associated with the use of open burning devices or fire burn areas specifically designed for Open Air Burnings may be granted by obtaining written permission from the Fire Chief or designate for a given calendar year. If written permission is being obtained for the first time, an inspection will be conducted by the Fire Chief or designate to ensure the regulations detailed in this Section have been complied with.
Recreational burning conditions — size, setback, wind, smog
(A) Open Air Burning shall be confined to open burning devices or to a fire burn area with a burn area no larger than two (2) feet (61cm) by two (2) feet (61cm) by two (2) feet (61cm) or 8 cubic feet (0.26 cubic metres) in size. ... (E) An Open Air Burning shall be confined to a location that provides for a minimum distance of 13 feet (4m) in all directions from adjacent properties; (F) Open Air Burnings shall be confined to an area that is a minimum of 10 feet (3m) from combustible structures or objects; ... (I) Open Air Burnings shall not be permitted when the wind speed exceeds 20 km per hour or during rainy or foggy weather or at times when a smog alert has been declared by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation Parks, or any successor and relevant Ministry; ... (L) Open Air Burning shall only be permitted between the hours of 1200 hrs. and 2400 hrs. (M) An Open Air Burning permit shall be secured, the fee for which shall be in accordance with the Town of Pelham Fee for Services By-law.
Barbecue exemption — no permission needed
Despite Section 2.1 herein, permission is not required from the Fire Chief for the use of Barbecues to cook food, provided the following regulations are complied with: (A) The Barbecue shall be placed on non-flammable material and not be located or placed on a porch or verandah of a building...
Rural non-recreational open air burning — 24-hour-advance permit
Any person intending to conduct a Non-Recreational Open Air Burning shall make application at least 24 hours prior to the proposed date of the non-recreational open air burning on either verbal or written permission from the Fire Chief and shall comply with Section 3.2 herein and the Fire Chief shall have the authority to issue such permit.
Non-recreational burning conditions
(E) Non-recreational Open Air Burnings are not permitted during rainy or foggy weather or on smog alert days as declared by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change and Parks or any successor and relevant Ministry; (F) Non-recreational Open Air Burnings are not permitted when the wind speed exceeds 20 km per hour; (G) A non-recreational Open Air Burning shall be confined to an area which is at least 200 feet (60m) from any building, highway, road or wooded area...
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Pelham — 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 — Pelham Fire Department decides.