Burn Bans, Permits and By-Laws

Open air burning

Kawartha Lakes By-Law 2016-110 outlines all open air burning regulations in the City. You must meet these requirements when burning:

• fires cannot be lit during burn bans
• fires cannot be lit during smog alerts
• weather conditions must be good for clearing smoke
• fires may not be lit when wind causes unsafe conditions
• fires must be supervised by an adult at all times
• fires must be fully extinguished at the completion of a burn event
• equipment for controlling and extinguishing fires must be available at the burn location
• clean dry wood is the only material that may be burned
• painted wood, leaves, grass clippings, garbage and other materials may not be burned
• flying lanterns may not be sold or used within the City

If all of the above requirements are met and the fire is no larger than 60 cm in diameter you will not need a burn permit. The fire area must be at least 15 m from any buildings including sheds or detached garages and 5 m from trees, brush piles, property lines, fences and combustible materials.

Download the Burn By-Law 2020 Quick Reference Guide for more information.

Burn permits

There are different types of permits for open air burning. You must get permits with "special" in the title through the Fire Prevention Division. You can get all other permits by visiting your nearest Municipal Service Centre, library branch or fire station.

All burn events must be conducted at least 5 m from trees, brush piles or any other combustible materials. The fire area must be at least 15 m from any buildings including sheds and detached garages. Some types of permits may require the Fire Service to conduct a site visit. It can take up to seven business days for you to receive a site visit.

Burn barrels

Burn barrels are permitted under the following conditions:

• burn barrel is not used in a built up area
• barrel must be constructed of metal and be in good condition
• a heavy duty screen with mesh not greater than 7 mm is placed on top of the barrel
• holes must be punched in the side of the barrel
• steel rods or pipe must be placed through the holes to hold burning material up and allow a fast burn
• the ground must be cleared and free of vegetation in a 2 m radius around the barrel
• draft holes at the bottom of the barrel are no larger than 2.5 cm in diameter

Fireworks

Application For Permit - Public Display of Fireworks

You need a permit to sell fireworks and perform a public display of fireworks within Kawartha Lakes as part of Firework By-Law 2007-236. You do not need a permit to use consumer fireworks. Requirements to follow when using consumer fireworks include:

• children shall not discharge fireworks
• children may us a sparkler under the supervision of an adult
• fireworks may not be discharged into any motor vehicle, building or structure
• you must get written permission from the owner to discharge fireworks on property you do not own
• fireworks shall be discharged a minimum of 30 m from any structure or property line
• fireworks may not be discharged closer than 100 m from a church, school, residential care facility or place where explosives are sold or stored
• fireworks may not be discharged during a burn ban
• fireworks shall be discharged in accordance with the manufacturer's directions
• fireworks are not to be discharged on municipal lands without authorization

Download the Firework By-Law 2020 Quick Reference Guide for more information.