A permit is required for all burning in Scugog. Residents can now apply for recreational, general, oversize and agricultural burn permits online by clicking the button below. 

Apply for a 2022 burn permit online

The Township of Scugog's Open Air Burning By-law regulates burning in the community. There are several categories of burning, including:

  • Recreational burning
  • General open air burning
  • Oversize burning (property must be at least 10 acres)
  • Agricultural burning
  • Specialty burning

Guidelines for general and recreational burns, as well as frequently asked questions are listed below. 

To subscribe to burn ban alerts, please visit our Township news subscription page. 

 General open air burns

General Open Air Fire Permits will not be issued to properties located within the Port Perry Urban area, a hamlet or  a residential cluster.

General burning shall not be started earlier than one-half hour before sunrise and must be extinguished one-half hour before sunset.

General open air burning is for burning brush and wood. General open air burn sites must:

  • Be a maximum of 1 m3 (3ft by 3ft by 3ft) in size.
  • Be at least 15 m (50 ft) away from any structure, trailer, tent, flammable source, overhead wire, fence lines, trees, brush piles, property lines or combustible material of any nature whatsoever that could be ignited by flame, sparks or heat radiating from said fire.
  • Be at least 15 m (50 ft) away from flammable vegetation in all directions.
  • Have a means to extinguish the fire.
  • Be attended by a capable adult at all times.

 Recreational burns

Recreational burns are small campfires for burning wood for recreational purposes. This type of burning is allowed between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight.

Recreational burn sites must:

  • Have a base size no larger than than sixty (60) centimeters in diameter.
  • Be at least 5 m (16.5 ft) away from any structure, trailer, tent, flammable source, overhead wire, fence lines, trees, brush piles, property lines or combustible material of any nature whatsoever that could be ignited by flame, sparks or heat radiating from the said fire.
  • Have a means to extinguish the fire.
  • Be attended by a capable adult at all times.
  • Be extinguished by midnight.

 Bans

Burn Ban

Scugog Fire and Emergency Services will issue a burn ban when there is very dry weather or poor air quality in the community. A spring burn ban is imposed annually. This ban is put in place to allow time for dead grass and brush to turn green again following a dormant period over the winter. Though the ground may be saturated, or still frozen, the dead vegetation can burn easily and fire can spread rapidly. This ban is important for the protection of people, property and first responders. 

Burn ban notices will appear on our website and in the local media. The notice will let you know which types of burning are banned. These burn bans are for your safety and we ask that you follow them.

Under Part 4 Enforcement and Penalties of the Open-Air Burning By-law 32-18, those having a fire during a burn ban can be charged under the Provincial Offences Act and will also be responsible for the costs of all work performed

There is not currently a burn ban in effect.

To subscribe to burn ban alerts, please visit our Township news subscription page.  

 Limitations

Please note that only wood and/or brush are to be burned. As per the Open-Air Burning by-law, no person shall burn any material that is normally collected under the municipality's garbage, blue box or yard waste collection programs. Furthermore, no person shall burn petroleum products, plastic, rubber, household garbage, building material, demolition material or wood by-products.

Complaints
Guidelines for all burning are included in the e-mail you receive confirming that your burn permit application has been processed. If the Fire and Emergency Services responds to complaints about burning and they find you are not following these rules, you may be charged for the services used to respond to the complaint, including trucks and staff costs. We also have the right to revoke your burn permit, if necessary.

Be a good neighbour and make sure that smoke from your burn is not drifting on to others' property. Your neighbours have a right to complain about your burn if the smoke is causing an issue on their property.

If you need to file a burn complaint, please dial 9-1-1 to reach our dispatch and it will be addressed accordingly. 
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a burn permit cost?
2022 General and/or recreational burn permits cost $38.  Oversize burn permits cost $132. Burn permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued.
Who can apply for a burn permit?
Only property owners can apply for a burn permit. A tenant, worker or family member wishing to apply for a burn permit must submit written authorization from the property owner with their permit payment.
Do I need a burn permit for a campfire?
Yes, campfires are "recreational burns" under the Open Air Burning By-law and require a burn permit.
Am I allowed to have a Chiminea?
Chimineas are "contained recreational burns" under the Open Air Burning By-law. You must obtain a Recreational Burn Permit.
Do I need to activate my burn permit?
No, all burn permits are automatically activated for the year they are issued in.
If someone calls fire and emergency services about my burning, will I be charged?
You won't be charged, if you have a burn permit and follow Scugog's Open Air Burning By-law. If the smoke for your burn causes issues for your neighbour, you will be asked to put out your fire.

If you are not following the Open Air Burning By-law, you will have to pay the fees for services (cost of trucks and personnel to respond to the complaint about your burn). You may also be charged under the By-law.
How do I report a burning complaint?
If you have concern about a burn, call 9-1-1, ask for the Fire Department and explain the situation. A duty officer will investigate. Your name will not be released.
 Can I use a burn barrel?

Burn barrels are permitted to be use if you have obtained a general open air fire permit. General Open Air Fire Permits will not be issued to properties located within the Port Perry Urban area, a hamlet or  a residential cluster.

As per the Open Air Burning By-Law, "burn barrel" means:

  • A metal barrel in sound condition, no larger than a 45 gallon drum.
  • Fitted with a heavy duty screen with mesh (size not greater than 7mm) over the top to prevent debris from flying out of the barrel. 
  • Vent holes must be punched in the side for ventilation, and drainage holes in the bottom with adequate clearance from surrounding vegetation or structures.  
 What is the Port Perry Urban Area, a Hamlet or a Residential Cluster?

 As per the Open Air Burning By-Law, "Port Perry Urban Area" means:

  • the area as outlined in Schedule A1 of the Official Plan of the Township of Scugog. 

As per the Open Air Burning By-Law, "Hamlet" means: 

  • lands within the boundaries of Blackstock, Caesarea, Epsom, Greenbank, Manchester, Nestleton, Nestleton Station, Seagrave and Utica as identified on Schedule A of the Official Plan of the Township of Scugog. 

As per the Open Air Burning By-Law, "Residential Cluster" means: 

  • settlement areas of a smaller scale than “hamlets” as identified on Schedule A of the Official Plan of the Township of Scugog. 
 Can I apply for more than one permit type?

 If you live within the Port Perry Urban Area, a Hamlet, or a Residential Cluster, you will only be approved for recreational burning, provided that your property meets the required setbacks. General burning is not permitted in these areas. 

If you live in a rural area, you can apply for both a recreational and general permit at no additional cost. 

If you have an agricultural operation, you can apply for a recreational and/or general permit in addition to your agricultural permit. Regular permit fees will apply for recreational and/or general burning conducted outside of "normal farming practices". 
 Is day-time burning permitted?

Recreational burning is only permitted between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. 

General, oversize and agricultural burning is permitted one-half hour before sunrise and must be extinguished one-half hour before sunset.

General burning is not permitted in the Port Perry Urban Area, a Hamlet, or a Residential Cluster as defined by the Official Plan of the Township of Scugog. This means that there should be no day-time burning in these areas.
 How are permit applications approved?
 Applications are approved on a first-come first-served basis upon confirmation that all required provisions will be met. Property setbacks are confirmed using GIS mapping software. If you feel that your property complies with the guidelines listed above, but your permit application was not approved, please contact Fire Administration for clarification. 

For more information please email fire@scugog.ca or call Fire Administration at 905-985-2384.