Can I burn today in The North Shore?
The North Shore’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
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Observed
- 3:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Algoma District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. The North Shore requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Township of The North Shore decides — not this page.
January 1 to December 31 of the issuing year
Obtain a free permit from the Township of The North Shore office
Check burning conditions with the Fire Department or Municipal Office before burning
Keep the permit accessible for inspection
Comply with daytime-hours, setback, and wind/visibility conditions.
Permit required (Section 2.1)
No "Person" being the owner or tenant in possession of lands within the "Municipality" shall conduct "Open-Air Burning" on such lands unless a "Permit" has been issued in respect of such "Open-Air Burning".
Daytime hour restriction (Section 2.4(iv))
In the Township earlier than 2 hours before sunset or later than 2 hours after sunrise (daytime) during the months of April, May, June, July, August, September and October of each year.
Wind / visibility prohibition (Section 2.4(v))
To burn when the wind is in such a direction or of such intensity so as to create a decrease in the visibility on any highway or cause danger to any person or structure.
Setback, recreational vs. brush burn (Section 2.4(vii)-(viii))
Being a "Recreational Bum" fire less than 5 meters (16 feet) to any building or structure, tree, hedge, fence, roadway, overhead wires or property line. ... Being a "Brush Burn" fire less than 10 meters (32.5 feet) to any building or structure, tree, hedge, fence, roadway, overhead wires or property line.
Restricted Fire Zone / fire ban (Section 2.4(xii))
When a fire ban has been issued by the Chief Fire Official or his/her designate or when the Township is under a "Restricted Fire Zone", under the Forest Fire Prevention Act, only exception is in organized campgrounds and parks, where, if stringent criteria are met, the campground operator may allow campfires and charcoal BBQs but only during certain hours and under very strict controls.
No fee (Section 6.1)
There shall be no fee for open-air burning permits issued under this by-law.
Enactment (Section 11.1)
This amended by-law shall come into force and effect upon the final passed thereof, and by-law 14-28 is hereby rescinded. ENACTED AND PASSED this 4th day of May, 2016
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for The North Shore — 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 — Township of The North Shore decides.