Burn permits(or open air fire permits) are regulated by the Open Air Fire By-law.Open air firesand outdoor fireplaces are not allowed in the fire zone 1, zone 2, or fire zone 3unless approved by the Fire Chief.
- A permit is required in order to light a fire on private property; this includes having abackyard fire or using a large fire pit.
- A permit is not necessary for outdoor natural gas, propane or ethanol fireplaces.
- If a device is designed and intended solely for the cooking of food in the open air, itdoes not require an open air fire permit, provided it does not burn wood, tree limbs,branches and non-compostable material limited to paper and sisal twine.
- Approvedcooking appliances include gas, charcoal or propane BBQ/hibachis or gas orpropane outdoor fireplace and must be ULC approved. View ourOutdoor Fireplace Guidelines.
How to apply for a permit?
- Follow the Burn Permits link, which will take you to the Smiths Falls Burn Permits site.
- If you have an existing account, log in using your email and password. If you are creating a new account, use your email and create a password to activate an account. *Note: This is where you will login to apply for all future permits.
- Once you have an account created, Fire Department personnel will be able to access your permit application online.
- For permit renewals, all existing information will be confirmed to ensure accuracy. The permit will then be submitted for approval, and an email will be sent to the permit applicant with a prompt for them to pay the permit fee. Once paid, the permit should be generated automatically and sent back to the applicant's email.
- For new permit applications, the applicant will provide details such as address and contact information. New applications will be followed by an inspection of the property/appliance to ensure compliance with the Open Air Fire By-law. Upon inspection, if the Fire Departments deems the property to be compliant with the By-law and that a fire can be safely maintained on the premise, the permit will be submitted for approval. An email will be sent to the permit applicant with a prompt for them to pay the permit fee. Once paid, the permit should be generated automatically and sent back to the applicant's email.
- Property inspections and processing of open air fire permits will take place Monday - Friday.
- Please allow up to 10 working days for the delivery/approval of your fire permit.
- An open air and outdoor fireplace permit is valid for the calendar year. A permit for an outdoor fireplace must be renewed on an annual basis.
What is the cost of a permit?
- $15 (tax included) for an annual outdoor fireplace and open air permit
- $15 (tax included) for a renewal of an annual open air fire permit
- $25 (tax included) for a specific event permit
Fire Zones
Special Events
Specific Event Permits can only be obtained at the Fire Prevention Division, given therequirement for a site inspection by Smiths Falls Fire Department staff prior to permitissuance.A specific event permit allows open air fires that are normally not allowed in designated no burnareas.
Only a community not-for-profit organization or a religious institution mayapply for an open-air fire permit to conduct campfires or open-air fires in an outdoorfireplace for cultural, religious or recreational specific events.
Why are fires prohibited in some areas?
It is unsafe to set and maintain open air fires in certain areas of the town. Population densityand average lot size criteria were considered in the determination of the areas in whichopen air fires are permitted.Smiths Falls Fire Department does not approve of open air burning in urban areasor near buildings. Therefore, outdoor fireplaces are not permitted in urban areas.
Are all fireplaces created equal?
No. Fireplaces (heavy metal or masonry) are designed to be used outdoors rather than indoors and limit the heat and sparks through their design.
What is a fire ban and why can't I burn when in effect?
A fire ban, which is declared by the Fire Chief or his designate and is based largely onenvironmental conditions, is a period of time during which no one may set or maintain anyopen air fire anywhere within the town limits for reasons related to public safety andprotection of property.
