Burn Permits & Rating

Recreational burn permits

Recreational fires are the only outdoor fires permitted in Anten Mills, Centre Vespra, Elmvale, Hillsdale, Midhurst, Minesing, Orr Lake, Phelpston and Snow Valley. Only property owners can get a burn permit for their household.

Rules

• Fires must not exceed 0.75 m in diameter by 0.75 m in height
• Burn only dry materials
• Don't burn petroleum products, plastics, rubber or anything that will cause excessive smoke
• Stay with the fire at all times
• Always have proper extinguishment tools on site
• Don't burn during a fire ban or when wind speeds cause excessive smoke (i.e. over 20 km per hour or frequently changing direction)
• Keep fires at least 3 m away from combustible materials

Open air burn permits

Open air burn permits are only issued to rural properties within Springwater. The cost of a burn permit is $21.00 and is valid for the calendar year. In the case of multiple agricultural properties owned by one individual or corporation, a permit is required for each property in which burning is to take place. 

Prior to a permit being issued, a site inspection must be completed by the Fire Chief or designate, to ensure that the property is suitable for an open air burn and that all rules and restrictions are being adhered to.

Rules

• Burning is only permitted between sunrise and sunset.
• There must 30 meters of clearance from the fire and the nearest structure.
• No more than 2 cubic meters of material is permitted to be burned at any one time, unless authorized by the Fire Department.
• Only dry materials are permitted to be burned.
• Burning of petroleum products, plastic, rubber or anything that will cause excessive smoke is prohibited.
• A responsible adult must stay with the fire at all times.
• Proper fire extinguishing tools must be kept on site at all times.
• Burning during a fire ban, snow, fog, air quality advisory or when wind speeds cause excessive smoke (i.e. over 20 km per hour or frequently changing direction) is strictly prohibited. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to check the fire danger rating.
• Fires must be kept at least 15 meters away from combustible materials. 

Fire danger ratings

The fire danger rating determines the relative seriousness of burning conditions and threat of fire. There are four levels:

1. Low – there is a low fire risk
2. Moderate – carry out burning with caution
3. High – fire hazard is serious
4. Extreme – fire hazard is extreme

Fire rating signs

Check the fire rating at any of these outdoor community signs:

• Hillsdale Fire Hall
• Minesing Fire Hall
• County Road 22 and County Road 27
• Highway 26 in front of the Simcoe County Administration Centre
• Grenfel Community Centre
• County Road 92 and County Road 29