Burn and Firework Permits
No Daytime Burning Allowed
Burn permits are required to burn during the day from April 1 to October 31. Burning is allowed from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM unless restrictions are in place.
Before you light a fire or set off fireworks in Minden Hills, please review and learn the rules, requirements and restrictions.
See By-Law 20-104 - Open Air Fires for more details.
When Can I Have a Fire?
Residential backyard burning (campfires) is allowed from April 1 to October 31, between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM with a valid Burn Permit.
When having a campfire, the following conditions must be met:
- There are no fire restrictions or fire bans in effect
- The fire is located on a non-combustible surface or material
- The fire is contained within a metal, rock, brick or other non-combustible fire pit
- Smoke from the fire does not cause an annoyance or irritation to adjacent persons, properties or premises
- The size of the fire cannot be bigger than one (1) square meter and flames cannot be higher than one (1) meter in height
- The fire is not located within three (3) meters of a structure, fence or property line
- The fire must be continuously supervised by a competent adult
- There are adequate tools and/or water on hand to put out the fire
- The fire must be put out and cool to the touch before leaving the fire area
All burning is prohibited during a period of poor air quality or poor weather conditions.
Burn Permits
Burning requirements are outlined in By-Law 20-104 - Open Air Fires.
Burn Permit Applications are available for download below or by contacting the Fire Department.
No person shall start a fire outdoors that is larger than 2 meters for the purpose of burning piled wood, brush, leaves or discarded wood products unless a Burn Permit is approved for the site.
The Fire Department requires a minimum of seven to ten (7-10) business days to process permits.
Any uncontrolled outdoor fire or improper disposal of ashes, coals or briquettes is the owner's responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons, and is liable for all costs incurred by the Fire Department.
Residential Burn Permits |
If you require a Burn Permit, complete and submit a Burn Permit Application and associated fee to the Minden Hills Fire Department. Once submitted and payment is received, a member of our Fire Department will come out and conduct a site inspection. |
Commercial/Construction/Agricultural Burn Permits |
If you require a burn permit, complete and submit a Burn Permit Application and associated fee to the Minden Hills Fire Department. Once submitted and payment is received, a member of our Fire Department will come out and conduct a site inspection. |
Burning without a Burn Permit |
To burn without a burn permit the following rules must be followed:
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Fireworks
Before discharging or setting off fireworks within the Township of Minden Hills, please review and learn the rules and requirements. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a public display hosted by trained and certified professionals.
Firework requirements are outlined in By-Law 20-104 - Open Air Fires.
Fireworks are not allowed during:
- any fire ban or fire restriction as set out by MNRF or the Chief Fire Official or designate
- winds exceed 25 km or during any conditions considered as an undue fire hazard
Fireworks Permits |
If you choose to have a family or an informal neighbourhood fireworks display the following is required:
If you require a firework permit, submit your firework application form and associated fee to the Minden Hills Fire Department and include required documentation ie. site plans for your permit. Once submitted and payment is received one of our team members will conduct a site inspection, site must meet the criteria. Please note that the Fire Department requires a minimum of fourteen to sixteen (14-16) business days to process permits. Any persons discharging, setting or causing to be set any device considered a firework without a permit shall be responsible for any damage to property or injury to persons, and be liable for all costs incurred by the Fire Department, including investigating complaints. See our User Fees page for details. |
Reporting a Fireworks Complaint |
If there is a fire or life-safety emergency due to fireworks that poses an immediate danger to someone's health or property, call 911. When reporting a fireworks complaint, please be prepared to provide the following:
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Fire Bans
A Total Fire Ban means no open air fires. During a Total Fire Ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire. This temporary measure is put in place to prevent human-caused fires when the fire hazard is extreme or when firefighting resources are limited.
During a fire ban all outdoor fires, including charcoal briquettes, wood chip, wood smoke barbeques and wood smokers are restricted. Please wait until ban is lifted to dispose of ashes and coals.
It is your responsibility to be aware of fire bans, fire restrictions and requirements.
Please contact the Fire Chief or the fire status line at 249-802-3535 for more information.