Can I burn today in Vaughan?
Vaughan’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
- Newmarket
- Observed
- 3:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Regional Municipality of York, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Vaughan requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service decides — not this page.
Not specified in by-law text; permit may be revoked at any time by the Chief Fire Official
Review By-law 157-2023 and confirm no fire burn ban is in effect
Submit the Residential Fire Burn Permit application ($45.00) to Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service
Site must pass an inspection by the Chief Fire Official before the permit is issued
Comply with distance, hours, and material restrictions.
Permit required (Section 4.0(1))
No Person shall set a Fire or allow a Fire to burn on property owned or leased or in possession or control of the Person, without first having obtained the necessary Permit from the Chief Fire Official. Such Permit shall be issued in a written form prescribed by the Chief Fire Official, after payment of the required fee as per Fees and Charges By-law.
Inspection required before issuance (Section 4.0(3)-(4))
A Permit for a Fire in the open air shall not be issued until an inspection of the burn site has been made by the Chief Fire Official. An Applicant for a Permit shall submit a completed application in the form prescribed by the Chief Fire Official.
Prohibited conditions (Section 4.0(5))
Notwithstanding any provisions herein, no Person shall set or maintain a Fire: ... (d) at a distance less than 60 metres (196.8 feet) from any building, structure, hedge, fence, public vehicular roadway or overhead wiring; (e) at a distance of less than 15 metres (49.2 feet) from any property line; (f) unless there is a space clear and free from combustible material around the perimeter of such Fire of at least 9 metres (29.5 feet); ... (h) after sunset in the afternoon on any day and before sunrise in the forenoon of any day; ... (j) with the aid of flammable or combustible liquids or accelerants of any kind.
Dangerous Condition definition (Section 3.0(6))
"Dangerous Condition" means, in the opinion of the Chief Fire Official: (a) a lack of precipitation which increases the risk of the spread of Fire; (b) winds which increase the risk of the spread of Fire; (c) a decrease in visibility due to the smoke from the Fire, on any highway or roadway; (d) any odour or residue to such an extent or degree so as to cause complaint of nuisance from other Persons in the immediate area; or (e) any other condition declared by the Chief Fire Official to be a Dangerous Condition, from time to time.
Revocation (Section 4.0(6))
The Chief Fire Official may revoke any or all Permits issued for Fires or refuse the issue of any such Permits in the existence or threat of a Dangerous Condition.
Administrative penalty (Section 6.0(3))
The amount of the administrative penalty for a breach under this By-law is $200.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Vaughan — 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 — Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service decides.