Can I burn today in Port Hope?
Port Hope’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 Northumberland County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Port Hope requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services decides — not this page.
Date of issue to December 31 of that year
Date of issue to December 31 of that year
Date of issue to December 31 of that year
Apply for a free Burn Permit via the Municipality's burnpermits.com portal (porthopefire.burnpermits.com) or in person at Port Hope Station 1 (245 Ontario St., Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm)
Call 1-844-392-8887 to notify/activate the Fire Department prior to each burn
Comply with the applicable Recreational/Brush Pile/Land Clearing size, setback, and hour requirements.
Permit required (Section 2.0)
All persons setting an Open Air Fire in the Municipality of Port Hope must first obtain a Permit from the Fire Department. Permits are only issued to the Owner of the property. Occupants of a property must obtain written consent from the Owner of the property to obtain a burn permit. Should such fire spread, resulting in the attendance of the Fire Department, the penalties as set out herein shall apply to the Owner of the property.
Activation notice (Section 2.1)
All permit holders shall notify the Fire Department prior to conducting any open air burning.
Wind/nuisance conditions (Section 2.3)
No Open Air Fire shall be maintained when the wind is in such direction or intensity so as to cause any or all of the following: a) A decrease in visibility on any highway or roadway; b) A rapid spread of fire through grass or a brush area; and c) A public nuisance by creating negative health effects or interference on neighbouring residents.
Fire Ban (Section 2.7)
The Fire Chief or his/her designate may, at any time, and in the exercise of his or her sole discretion, issue a "Fire Ban" effective for a specified period of time, prohibiting the setting of any and all "Open Air Fires" within any area of the Municipality. During this time, all Burning Permits will be revoked.
Recreational burning size/setback (Section 3.1.1)
shall have a base no larger than 1m x 1m x 1m / 1 cubic metres (3.3 ft x 3.3 ft x 3.3 ft)... shall be at least 7.6m (25 ft) away from the property line, street/road/highway, any overhead wires, all structures, trees and hedges,
Land Clearing Burning hours (Section 3.3.1(f))
burning limited to between the hours of 0800 and 1800 hours daily, fires must be out after 1800 hours (6:00 p.m.), and
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Port Hope — 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 — Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services decides.