Can I burn today in Thorold?
Thorold’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
- St. Catharines
- Observed
- 3:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Niagara Region, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. A fire ban can be declared at any time. Thorold Fire and Emergency Services decides — not this page.
There is no general burn permit process in Thorold. A charcoal or gas cooking fire in a barbecue/hibachi is allowed if attended by a competent person.
A campfire elsewhere in the City needs the area to be approved in advance by the Fire Chief, plus competent supervision.
Fires are barred outright during strong wind, near construction or stored explosives/flammables, or wherever they risk spreading to grass/vegetation or creating a smoke hazard/nuisance.
No fire in hazardous circumstances
No person shall, anywhere in the City of Thorold, set or maintain a fire in the open air or permit a fire in the open air to burn: (a) at a location where there is danger of such fire spreading to grass or other vegetation; (b) during a strong wind; (c) on any road allowance or other municipal property; (d) on or adjacent to any property where a building or structure is under construction; (e) on or adjacent to any property where it is known that explosives or any flammable materials are stored; (f) on any property where such fire may constitute a hazard to persons on adjacent property; (g) on any property or location where such fire will create smoke that constitutes a hazard on a street or highway, or creates unpleasant odour to persons on adjacent properties.
Fire defined broadly, narrow carve-outs (same lineage as Niagara Falls' by-law)
“Fire” includes bonfire, campfire and any other fire in a yard, field or any other open place but does not include: (i) a charcoal or gas fire in a barbeque, hibachi or similar metal or masonry container while being used for the cooking of food for human consumption, provided ... such fire is attended by a person competent to supervise it; ... (v) A campfire elsewhere within the City of Thorold provided that such campfire is in an area approved by the Fire Chief and is attended by a person competent to supervise it...
Authority to order extinguishment
The Fire Chief is hereby authorized to order any person to put out any fire when in their respective opinions there is any danger of such fire spreading or otherwise endangering life or property.
Non-compliance fee
Every person who contravenes any provision of this By-law may be subject to a Fire Prevention Service Fee as set out in Schedule “A” of City of Thorold By-law 2012-31, a By-law to Prescribe a Schedule of Fees Related to the Services Provided by Thorold Fire and Emergency Services.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Thorold — 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 — Thorold Fire and Emergency Services decides.