Can I burn today in Ryerson?
Ryerson’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
- Parry Sound
- Observed
- 2:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Parry Sound District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. A fire ban can be declared at any time. Burk's Falls and District Fire Department (joint department serving Armour Township, the Village of Burk's Falls and the Township of Ryerson) — Fire Chief Joe Readman decides — not this page.
per inspection
per hour, billed minimum one hour and in half hour increments
Check the current fire rating before burning — posted on the Township Fire Department page (www.ryersontownship.ca/departments/fire-department) and on the Forest Fire Rating Board at the Ryerson Municipal Office/Garage, Hwy 520 & Midlothian Road.
No permit is issued for domestic burning: the Burk's Falls & District Fire Department does not issue domestic burn permits. Burn only in accordance with By-law 31-17 and the posted rating.
Observe the by-law's prohibited hours: no open-air fire between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from April through October (effective April 1 each year), unless permitted under Parts 3 and 4.
Keep recreational fires to a maximum of 2 ft x 2 ft and at least 6 metres from adjacent properties and from combustible structures; non-recreational fires at least 25 metres from any adjacent dwelling unit.
Do not burn when wind speed exceeds 30 km/h, or when a smog alert covering the Township has been declared by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Burn only untreated or natural materials — no accelerants, no furniture or household waste; no Chinese/sky lanterns.
Attend the fire at all times and keep water, shovels and containment tools available.
For a contractor/land-clearing burn tied to new construction, or a burn requiring a permit under s.4.3 (pile over 2 m diameter or height, demolition, or burning during prohibited times), contact the Fire Prevention Officer at 705-788-4676 / fpo@ryersontownship.ca to arrange the required pre- and during-burn fire safety inspections; inspection fees under By-law 13-20 apply.
Section 2.1 — Prohibited hours and season
between the hours of 10am and 6pm during the months of April, May, June, July, August, September, and October in each year, except as permitted under Parts 3 and 4.
Sections 5.10 and 6.8 — Wind speed
when the wind speed exceeds 30 kilometers per hour.
Sections 5.10 and 6.8 — Air quality / smog alert
at times when a smog alert for an area including the Township has been declared by the Ministry of the Environment for Ontario.
Sections 5.6–5.7 — Recreational fire setbacks
minimum distance of 6 meters (19.5 feet) in all directions from adjacent properties
Section 5.7 — Recreational fire setback from structures
minimum distance of 6 meters (19.5 feet) from combustible structures or objects
Section 6.4 — Non-recreational fire setback
minimum distance of (25) twenty meters (82 ft.) from any adjacent dwelling units
Section 4.3 — When a permit is required (pile size)
the pile is greater than two meters in diameter OR two meters in height
Section 4.3 — When a permit is required (demolition)
the fire is part of a demolition permit issued by the building department or removal of a structure
Section 4.3 — When a permit is required (prohibited times)
For fire during prohibited times
Section 16.1 — Repeal
By-law #28-15 is hereby repealed.
Enactment
Read a First, Second and Third Time, Signed and the Seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and Finally passed in open Council this 1st day of August, 2017.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Ryerson — 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 — Burk's Falls and District Fire Department (joint department serving Armour Township, the Village of Burk's Falls and the Township of Ryerson) — Fire Chief Joe Readman decides.