Can I burn today in Smiths Falls?
Smiths Falls’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
- Ottawa
- Observed
- 3:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Lanark County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Smiths Falls requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Smiths Falls Fire Department decides — not this page.
Permit issuance date and the following day only
Permit issuance date and the following day only
Calendar year for the proposed site
Calendar year for the proposed site
Day(s) of the specific event
Apply online at smithsfalls.burnpermits.com (or by phone, toll-free 1-844-945-0030)
Pay the applicable Schedule A fee
Allow a Fire Department representative to inspect and photograph the site
Notify the Fire Chief on the day of each proposed open air fire.
Permit required (Section 3.1)
No person shall set or maintain an open air fire or having a fire in an outdoor fireplace without first having obtained the necessary permit from the Fire Chief.
Campfires banned town-wide (Sections 3.7, 5.6)
No person shall set or maintain a campfire... Campfires are not allowed within the Town of Smiths Falls.
Minimum lot size (Section 3.2)
No person shall set or maintain an outdoor fireplace and open air fire in any piece of land smaller than 557 m2.
Burn hours (Section 3.9)
No person shall set or maintain an outdoor fireplace or an open air fire between 23:00 and the sunrise.
Complaint-triggered revocation (Section 6.1(k))
for more than 2 legitimate complaints against a permit holder within a year, the fire chief will revoke the permit and a fine will be issued under section 13.4 of this by-law.
Permit fees (Schedule A)
Open Air Fire Permit Fees $25 / Renewal of an Open Air Fire Permit Fees $10 / Outdoor Fireplace Permit Fees $25 / Renewal of Outdoor Fireplace Permit Fees $10 / Specific Event Open Air of Outdoor Fireplace Permit $25
Fire suppression cost recovery (Section 13.3)
Every person who sets a fire in contravention of this by-law or who fails to extinguish a fire once ordered to do so by the Fire Chief shall... be liable to the Town for all expenses incurred for the purpose of investigating, controlling and extinguishing any fire... The fine associated to investigating, controlling and extinguishing any fire is: $875 / hour per fire truck.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Smiths Falls — 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 — Smiths Falls Fire Department decides.