East Gwillimbury (EG) requires anyone interested in having an outdoor fire (recreationally or to burn brush, stumps, tree limbs, logs, etc.) to obtain a fire permit. Renters who wish to purchase a fire permit must have the permit signed by the property owner or attach a letter or email of approval from the owner of the property.

The Town’s Burn By-law 2002-20 outlines when, where and types of open air burning that is permitted outdoors in EG. Before you burn, please review the by-law and information below.

Activating Fire Permits

All fire permits must be activated the day of the intended burn by phoning 905-478-3885. This automated service will ask for the fire permit number, name, address and telephone number on the permit. This must be completed before each fire, otherwise it will be considered burning without a fire permit.

To report a non-emergency burn concern, please contact Richmond Hill Fire Non-Emergency/ Dispatch Centre at 905-883-5450 ext. 5.

Recreational Fire Permits

Recreational fires are small outdoor fires that are used for cooking, warming, and bonfires. Fires burned in chimineas (free-standing fireplaces popular for backyard entertainment), are classified under the Ontario Fire Code as open fires, which means you need a fire permit from the Town. Burning in a barrel or other approved container also requires a permit. The fee for this permit per calendar year is $45.40.

Apply for a Recreational Fire Permit

 Requirements 
  • Maximum fire size of two feet by two feet.
  • The fire must be away from anything that may burn or melt.
  • Fires are permitted between 4 p.m. of one day to 1 a.m. the following day.
  • Something to extinguish the fire must be readily available (a hose, extinguisher, bucket of water, etc.)

Open Air Fire Permits 

Open air fire permits are required when burning bush, stumps, tree limbs or logs. The fee for this permit per calendar year is $45.40.

Applying for an Open Air Fire Permit

To purchase a permit, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Fire Permit Application
  2. Drop the completed application off at Customer Service or use the dropbox after hours, located at the east/front entrance of the Civic Centre. You can pay at Customer Service or if using the dropbox, you must also include a cheque payment in an envelope with your name, phone number and email address.

  3. Residents can also obtain a fire permit through the EG online payment portal. Please note, a processing fee will be applied to some transactions. Online Application
    Making online payments in East Gwillimbury is secure, convenient, and easy!
 Requirements 
  • The fire pit must be 10 metres (32.8 feet) away from any building, structure, hedge, fence constructed of material that may burn or melt, or any obstruction of any kind whatsoever that may burn or melt. 
  • Maximum fire size of one cubic meter (three feet). 
  • Fires are permitted half an hour prior to sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
  • Something to extinguish the fire must be readily available.

Oversized Fire Permits

This permit requires an inspection and approval from Fire and Emergency Service.

The fee for this permit per calendar year is $225.20.
Applying for an Oversized Fire Permit

To purchase a permit, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Fire Permit Application
  2. Drop the application off at the Civic Centre dropbox, located at the east/front entrance of the Civic Centre. 

OR

  1. Email the completed Fire Permit Application form to Customer Service.

Staff will contact you to schedule an inspection. 

The fee for your permit will be determined after your inspection with Fire and Emergency Service. Payment can be made by cheque or by visiting Customer Service located at the Civic Centre. When dropping off your payment, please label a envelope with your name, phone number and email address.

Be a Good Neighbour

Obtaining authorization to have an open-air fire does not relieve an owner from their obligation to follow the Environmental Protection Act of Ontario. While burning, it is their obligation to ensure that smoke and odor does not interfere with the ability of neighbours to enjoy their property or conduct their business. Watch where smoke travels and do not burn when there are smog alerts, foggy conditions or wind that will carry your smoke in a direction that will disrupt nearby roadways or properties.