The Town of Saugeen Shores has rules about when, where and how fires may be set. These regulations are set out in Burning By-law 30-2000.

There are two types of fires permitted in the Town: recreational fires and non-recreational fires requiring a permit.

Recreational fires

A recreational fire or campfire does not require a permit. The fire must be contained within a non-combustible burning device. The burn area should be no larger than 1 cubic metre (3'x3'x3').

Rules for recreational fires
  • Only burn clean, dry wood, commercially produced charcoal or briquettes.
  • A fire extinguisher or alternate means of extinguishment must be available at all times.
  • The wood must be smaller than the burning device.
  • Clearance around the burning device must be a minimum of 10 feet (3 metres) in all directions from structures, objects and neighbouring properties.
  • Neighbouring properties must not be adversely affected.
  • Smoke must not blow across roadways or hamper motorists' visibility.
  • The fire must be supervised and controlled by an adult at all times and must be completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Non-recreational fires

Fires larger than the recreational fire limit (1 cubic metre) require a permit. Burn permits are issued by the Saugeen Shores Fire Department.

To purchase a burn permit, contact the Fire Department prior to the requested burn day.

A site inspection may be required, at the discretion of the Fire Chief.

Rules for non-recreational fires
  • The fire may only burn between the hours of sunrise and sunset.
  • No fire other than a recreational fire may be set or allowed to burn less than 50 feet (15 m) from any building, structure, hedge, tree, fence, highway or vehicular right of way, overhead wires or combustible material of any kind.
  • Do not burn household garbage. Burn only clean dry wood, clean dry brush or clean dry natural vegetation.
  • Burn only dry materials. Do not burn petroleum products, plastics, rubber or anything that will cause excessive smoke.
  • Remove all vegetation around the fire area to prevent the spread of fire.
  • The burn area must not exceed the area specified on the approved permit.
  • Neighbouring properties must not be adversely affected.
  • Smoke must not blow across roadways or hamper motorists' visibility.
  • A fire extinguisher or alternate means of extinguishment approved by the Fire Chief must be available at all times.
  • The fire must be supervised and controlled by an adult at all times and must be completely extinguished before leaving the area. The area shall be monitored for at least 24 hours following the extinguishment of the fire.