Can I burn today in West Nipissing?
West Nipissing’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
- North Bay
- Observed
- 1:00 AM EDT Thursday 10 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Nipissing District, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. West Nipissing requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. West Nipissing Fire and Emergency Services decides — not this page.
By-law's own text is internally inconsistent: Article 1.23 defines the permit term as Jan 1-Dec 31 of the issuing year, while the Schedule A permit form states 30 days from date of application
Obtain a permit from the West Nipissing Fire and Emergency Services office or a designated municipal location
Notify the Fire Department (705-753-1171) before and after burning
Tenants need written owner permission
Campfires in organized campgrounds and domestic barbecues do not need a permit.
Permit required (Section 2.01)
No Person, being the owner or tenant in possession of lands within the Municipality, shall conduct Open-Air Burning unless a Permit has been issued in respect of such Open-Air Burning. Tenants in possession shall require written permission from the property owner for Open-Air burning.
Wind threshold (Section 2.03)
No Open-Air Burning shall be commenced or maintained when the wind is greater than 15 km/hr as reported by Environment Canada or in such a direction or intensity to cause any or all of the following: a) The possible spread of the fire beyond the approved burn site; b) A decrease in the visibility on any highway or roadway; c) Excessive smoke or; d) Any Dangerous Condition.
Fire Season hours (Section 4.01)
During the Fire Season, Open-Air Burning requiring a permit shall only be permitted between the hours of 6:00 pm until 8:00 am, on any day of the week, between April 1 and October 31.
Permit term (Article 1, Definition 1.23)
Permit shall mean a permit issued by the Municipality of West Nipissing Fire and Emergency Services, the Fire Chief or their designates, signifying permission to set, maintain or allow to be set an Open-Air Burn and establishing the conditions under which the permission is granted from the 1st day of January to the 31st day of December in the same year in the form attached as Schedule A hereto.
Permit validity per the permit form (Schedule A, condition 2)
This Permit shall be in effect for 30 days from the date of application.
Brush Pile Fire size/distance (Definition 1.07)
Brush Pile Fire shall mean an Open-Air Fire, having a maximum fuel size of 1.8m x 1.8m x 1.8m in height (6 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft), that is set and maintained for the sole purpose of burning piled wood or brush in rural areas only and where a permit is issued and where: a) The pile to be burnt is at least 92m (300 ft) from buildings.
Notify Fire Service before/after burning (permit condition 10)
The permit applicant is to notify the Fire Department @ 705-753-1171 prior to commencing burning and once burning is complete.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for West Nipissing — 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 — West Nipissing Fire and Emergency Services decides.