Open Air Burning Safety

Open air burning includes bonfires, fire pits, sky lanterns, and outdoor fireplaces, including gas, electric and wood burning.

A permit is required for all burning in East Gwillimbury. Residents can apply for recreational, open air and oversized burn permits online.

Safety Tips

• Use untreated wood like stumps, branches, logs, and brush.
• Keep fires at least 10 metres (32.8 feet) from any building, structure, overhead wire, vehicular road way, hedge, or anything that may burn or melt.
• Ensure there is nothing above that could catch fire.
• Have tools on hand to put the fire out (hose, bucket of water, or an extinguisher).
• Ensure it is completely extinguished by pouring water or sand on it.
• Have a phone on hand to call 911 if needed.
• Have a responsible adult supervising the fire at all times (must be 18 years or older)
• Don’t burn any garbage, recycling, construction materials, leaves, or grass clippings.
• Don’t add any flammable accelerants/liquids.
• Follow all burn bans and advisories
• Don’t have a fire in an uncontained space or on a combustible surface which could spread.
• Avoid burning on windy or dry days, embers from open burns can ignite nearby structures or cause wildfires.

Campfire and Fire Pit Safety Tips

• Before having a campfire, check with local municipal by-laws in that area if campfires are allowed.
• Keep campfires small, which is easier to control.
• Make a one metre (three feet) kid-free zone around the campfire and ensure chairs are a safe distance.
• Place fire pit on a surface that is level and will not catch on fire, such as patio block, bricks or concrete.
• Clear area around fire pit of any falls risks including uneven ground, rocks, or sticks that hang over the pit area.
• Keep fire pits away from siding, decks, deck railings, tents, grass/vegetation and out from under eaves and overhanging branches or structures. Refer to municipal by-laws for approved distances for fire pit placement.
• Avoid loose-fitting clothing that can be ignited by flames, sparks and blowing embers.
• Dispose of ashes after they have completely cooled in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Place the container away from anything that can melt or burn. Never empty the ashes directly into the trash.