Can I burn today in Woolwich?
Woolwich’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
- Kitchener
- Observed
- 3:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Regional Municipality of Waterloo, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Woolwich requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. Woolwich Fire Department decides — not this page.
Single use
One season
Per site inspection / Fire Chief-approved terms
Apply online via the Township's own form.woolwich.ca forms (separate Campfire Permit and Open Burn Permit forms with online payment) or in person at the Township Administration Office (9am-4pm weekdays)
Weekend online/phone submissions are not processed until the following Monday.
Permit required (Section 2.1)
No person being the owner or tenant in possession of lands within the Municipality shall set a fire or allow a fire to burn without first having obtained a permit.
Wind speed limit (Section 2.5(f))
No fire in the open air shall be started or maintained when the wind speed is in excess or 16 km (10 miles) per hour.
Smog Alert prohibition (Section 2.4(i))
Notwithstanding any provisions herein, no person shall cause or permit a fire to be set ... (i) At times when a Smog Alert has been declared.
Exemptions for small confined fires and CSA appliances (Sections 3.1-3.2)
No permit shall be required if the burning consists of a small confined fire or campfire (not to exceed 60 cm, (2 feet) in size) burning only clean wood and is supervised at all times. Persons shall contain the fire within the outdoor container at all times. No permit shall be required for commercially produced out door appliances burning charcoal, propane or natural gas that conforms to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) codes and standards.
Burn site size, distance, and hours (Sections 4.1-4.3)
The burn site shall not exceed 6 metres by 6 metres (20 feet by 20 feet) and is limited to the previously inspected site area. The burn site shall be confined to a location that provides for a minimum distance of not less than 30 metres (100 feet) from any property line, structure, fence, hedge, roadway, overhead wire or any other combustible structure or object. Open burning is limited to between the hours of 8AM and one hour before sunset. No burning is allowed on Sunday or Christmas Day.
Fee (Section 4.4)
A fee to have an open burn applies. The fee for the issuance of a fire permit is set out in the By-law to establish Fees and Charges.
"Dangerous Conditions" definition (Section 1.1(f))
"Dangerous Conditions" means: i. A lack of precipitation which increases the risk of the spread of fire, ii. Wind speeds which, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or designate, increase the spread of fire; iii. A Fire Ban or any other condition declared by the Fire Chief or designate to be a dangerous condition which increases the risk of the spread of fire.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Woolwich — 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 — Woolwich Fire Department decides.