New County-Wide Burning By-Law Takes Effect April 1

A new Open Air Burning By-Law will come into effect across the municipalities of Haliburton County on Monday, April 1, 2024. Jointly created by the County’s four Chief Fire Officials and adopted by each of its lower-tier municipal councils, the new by-law establishes consistent burning regulations throughout the County and introduces some new provisions.

A major change introduced in the new by-law is the elimination of daytime burning during the fire season, which runs from April 1 to October 31 each year. Previously, daytime burn permits were available in order to set open air fires during this time period.

The 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive ever recorded in Canada, and the decision to eliminate daytime burning during the fire season was made with heightened public safety in mind. Contractors who may find it necessary to carry out daytime burning during this time period are asked to contact their local fire department in order to make arrangements.

Open air fires for cooking or warmth may be set between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and between the dates of April 1 and October 31, so long as they are small, confined and supervised at all times. According to the provisions of the by-law, such fires must be smaller than .6 metres in diameter; must be confined within a fire pit or appliance; must be completely extinguished when use is complete; and must comply with all other conditions of the by-law.

Please note that fires for cooking or warmth are NOT permitted during a fire ban.

The Open Air Burning By-Law in its entirety can be viewed here.

For more information, please contact your local fire chief.

Contact Information:

Mike French
Fire Chief
Algonquin Highlands Fire Services
705-706-0010
mfrench@algonquinhighlands.ca

Rob Thibert
Acting Fire Chief
Township of Minden Hills
705-286-1202, Ext. 561
rthibert@mindenhills.ca                                                                                                  

Dan Chumbley
Fire Chief
Municipality of Dysart et al
705-457-2126
dchumbley@dysartetal.ca

Chris Baughman
Fire Chief
Municipality of Highlands East
705-448-2981
cbaughman@highlandseast.ca