Can I burn today in South River?
South River’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
- 3:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Parry Sound District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. South River requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. South River - Machar Fire Department (joint department serving the Village of South River and the Township of Machar) decides — not this page.
not stated in by-law (Permit is defined as being issued for a specified time period)
not stated in by-law (Permit is defined as being issued for a specified time period)
Check the current fire rating published by the South River Machar Fire Department at srmfd.com before burning.
Determine whether a permit is needed: camp fires (max 0.3m3) and outdoor fireplaces meeting the Part III conditions are exempt; all other open air burning requires a permit from the Fire Chief.
Register/apply online at srmfd.burnpermits.com/, or apply in person, or call the fire department office at 705-386-0066 during normal business hours. The portal states: "You may register online using this website, or you can visit us in person. You can also call into our office during normal business hours at 705-386-0066".
Complete the application on the form provided by the South River Machar Fire Department, submit it to the fire department, and submit applicable fees to the Village of South River (s.2.2).
Burn only within permit conditions: evening only (not between midnight and 6pm), 30 m from buildings/structures, wind under 20 km/h, max 1 cubic metre, wood or wood products only ('please only burn wood, wood by-products (cardboard, paper etc.) or leaves' per the portal), means of extinguishment available, and produce the permit on demand to a firefighter.
Title
Being a by-law to regulate the setting of open air fires and to repeal By-Law 9-93
1.2 Administration
The Fire Chief shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this By-law.
1.4 Total Fire Ban
No Open Air Burning shall be permitted when a Total Fire Ban has been declared
1.5 Smog Alert / air quality
No Open Air Burning shall be permitted when a Smog Alert has been issued for the district of Parry Sound or the District of Nippissing
1.6 Fireworks during fire bans
No Fireworks shall be discharged when a Total Fire Ban or a Partial Fire Ban has been declared
1.1 Definition — Nuisance
excessive smoke, smell, airborne sparks or embers that is likely to disturb others
2.1 Permit required
no person shall set, maintain, or cause to be set, a fire in the Open Air unless a Permit has been issued by the Fire Chief.
2.3 Fees
(1) Fee for an Evening Fire Permit is $5.00. (2) Fee for a Day Use/Exemption Permit is $10.00.
2.4(1)(a) Hours
between 12am midnight and 6pm
2.4(1)(b) Setback
at a distance of less than thirty (30) meters from any building or structure
2.4(1)(c) Wind velocity
if the wind velocity is greater than twenty (20) kilometers per hour
2.4(1)(f) Means of extinguishment
without a suitable means of extinguishment available while the fire is burning
5.1 Short title
This By-law shall be known as the Open Air Burning By-law.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for South River — 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 River - Machar Fire Department (joint department serving the Village of South River and the Township of Machar) decides.