Can I burn today in Tillsonburg?
Tillsonburg’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
- London
- Observed
- 4:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Oxford County, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Tillsonburg requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Tillsonburg Fire Department decides — not this page.
Single event, up to 10AM-Midnight per Fire Chief approval
Recreational backyard burning does not require an individual application -- it is permitted by the by-law itself provided the resident follows the Section 2.2 conditions (hours, container size, setbacks, wind/weather limits). A special-event fire (non-recreational, non-barbeque) requires applying to the Fire Chief at least one week ahead with the Schedule A fee.
Permission required (Section 2.1)
No person shall conduct an open air burning within the boundaries of the Town of Tillsonburg unless permission has been given by the Fire Chief. No person shall set a fire that is not contained.
Recreational burning conditions (Section 2.2)
(a) Open-air burnings may be conducted between the hours of 4 PM and Midnight only. (c) Open burnings shall be confined to non-combustible containers or to a pit no larger than two (2) feet (61 centimetres) by two (2) feet (61 centimetres) in size. (f) An open air burning shall be confined to a location that provides for a minimum distance of five (5) meters (16.4 feet) in all directions from adjacent properties. (j) Open-air burnings are not permitted when the wind speed exceeds 15 kilometres per hour or during rainy or foggy weather or at times when a smog alert has been declared.
Barbeque exception (Section 2.3)
Despite Section 2.1 above, permission is not required from the Fire Chief for the use of a barbeque to cook food. Barbeques being used to cook food shall be attended, controlled and supervised at all times.
Special event permit (Section 2.6)
All persons seeking permission to hold a special event involving an open air burning that is not a recreational burning as per section 2.2 and does not employ the use of a barbeque shall apply to the Fire Chief for a permit to have an open fire at such event. Application shall be made at least one week prior to the proposed date of the event on a form supplied by the Fire Chief and be accompanied by the applicable fee as set out in Schedule "A" to this by-law.
Refusal for residential land (Section 2.9)
The Fire Chief shall not grant a permit to hold open-air burnings at special events that are proposed to take place on land that is zoned for residential uses.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Tillsonburg — 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 — Tillsonburg Fire Department decides.