Fire Burn Ban

What is a fire burn ban?

Fire burn bans are issued when weather conditions result in grass, trees and other vegetation drying out causing them to easily catch fire. A fire burn ban prohibits any outdoor burning, but does not apply to cooking food on a barbecue.

What if I have a burn permit?

When a fire burn ban is in effect, fire burn permits will not be issued and any previously issued fire burn permits will be cancelled. Once this ban is lifted, a previously issued fire burn permit becomes valid once again – please check online for fire burn ban status.

Failure to comply with a burn ban can result in fines up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.

Here are the two symbols that notify of a fire burn status that will be visible on the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service homepage:

1. Fire burning is allowed with a valid permit.

2. Fire burning is not allowed under any circumstance and fire burn permits are temporarily invalid.

Applying for a fire burn permit

Before applying for a fire burn permit, ensure burning a fire in your area is allowed and a fire burn ban is not in effect. Full rules and regulations are available in the Fire Burn Permit By-law 50-94 (PDF)