Rural burning for the purpose of obtaining a permit is defined as the open-air burning of clean, dry brush and natural debris for purposes related to cleaning and maintaining privately owned property. To be eligible for a Rural Burn Permit, the property must be located on the outer edges of developed areas, on what is generally considered farmland. The Open-Air Burning By-law and the fee associated with obtaining a Rural Burn Permit can be found through the links at the end of this article.
The following list includes some of the regulations as they apply to Rural Burn Permits:
- No materials other than dry brush and vegetation may be burned. At no time are you permitted to burn building materials, painted items, plastic, refuse, or treated woods such as, pressure-treated, creosote treated, etc.
- An open-air burning shall be confined to an area which is at least 150 feet (45 meters) from any building, highway, road, or a wooded area.
- Steps must be taken to ensure that the open-air burning does not have a negative impact on neighboring property or for visibility of motorists using roads in the vicinity of the burn.
- Open-air burnings shall be attended, controlled and supervised at all times by the property owner or their representative. The burn pile shall be completely extinguished before the burn site is vacated.
- Open-air burnings may be conducted with an approved permit between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. only.
Contact the Fire Prevention Division of Sarnia Fire Rescue Services at 519-332-1122 or fireprevention@sarnia.ca to determine if you are eligible for a Rural Burn Permit on your property. The fees associated with not adhering to these regulations for Rural Open Burning, or of not first obtaining a permit prior to burning in a rural area are also outlined in the Fees for Service By-Law linked to below.
Related Links
Open Air Burning By-Law (Consolidated)
Fees for Service By-Law