Can I burn today in South Algonquin?
South Algonquin’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
- North Bay
- Observed
- 4:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Nipissing District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. South Algonquin requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. South Algonquin Fire Department decides — not this page.
Entire calendar year (per the live burnpermits.com portal); campfires are exempt from the permit requirement entirely
Apply for a free permit online at safd.burnpermits.com/ (valid for the calendar year)
Campfires meeting size/safety conditions do not require a permit
Property owners may register on the same portal to receive burning-condition alerts.
Permit required online (Section 3.2)
All persons setting an open-air fire in the Municipality shall first obtain a permit online at safd.burnpermits.com/, which may be granted if the following conditions are satisfied.
Campfire exemption (Section 3.3)
An exception to 3.2 will be granted for a campfire, campfires are permitted without a permit provided all other conditions under 3.1 are met. Property owners may register online to receive messages regarding burning conditions at safd.burnpermits.com/.
Fire ban / restricted zone (Section 3.4)
Notwithstanding 3.2 and 3.3 above, no person shall set out an open-air fire during a MNRF restricted fire zone or a Level 4 municipal fire ban.
Weather condition prohibitions (Section 7.1)
No person shall set an open-air fire: I. under weather conditions that limit the rapid dissipation of smoke; II. when wind may cause unsafe conditions that may result in fire spread; III. under extremely dry or arid conditions; IV. when the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change has issued a Smog Advisory or Smog Alert applicable to the area; V. when the Fire Chief has placed a ban on open air fires.
Graduated Fire Ban levels (Section 8.1)
Level 1; no concern, issue burning permits, allow campfires. Level 2; suspend issuance of new burning permits, campfires permitted. Level 3; cancel all burning permits, campfires permitted in “organized campgrounds” as outlined in Schedule “B” of this by-law. Level 4; complete fire ban, campfires not permitted in “organized campgrounds”.
Flying lantern prohibition (Section 6.1-6.2)
No person within the Township shall ignite or release an ignited Flying Lantern. ... No person within the Township shall offer for sale, cause or permit to be sold, or sell any flying lanterns.
Penalty (Section 9.1)
Any person who contravenes any provision of this bylaw is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not more than $2,000.00 exclusive of costs, under the Provincial Offenses Act, as per Schedule "A" attached.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for South Algonquin — 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 — South Algonquin Fire Department decides.