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Burn Permits

The Town of Saugeen Shores regulates when, where and how fires may be set. These rules are outlined in the Burning By-law, which includes requirements for both recreational and non-recreational burning. 

A burn permit is required for open-air burning in rural areas of Saugeen Shores. Permits take a minimum of 48 hours to process. After submitting your application, the Fire Department will review it and contact you. 

Before each burn, you must call the Saugeen Shores Fire Department at 519-389-6120 to activate your permit. 

An annual burn permit is required for non-recreational fires and expires on December 31 each year. 

Per Section 5.2 of By-law 16-2024:

"No fire other than a recreational fire may be set or allowed to burn within the boundaries of the Town of Saugeen Shores, except by a person actively farming land and who is burning for purposes normal and incidental to farming.” 

Recreation Fires do not require a permit but must follow safety guidelines. 

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 

  • Only burn clean, dry wood, commercial charcoal, or briquettes 

  • A fire extinguisher, water source, or other means of extinguishing the fire must always be available 

  • Wood must be smaller than the burning device (e.g. firepit or chiminea) 

  • Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet (3 metres) around the burning device from all structures, objects, and property lines 

  • Fires must not negatively impact neighbouring properties (e.g. excessive smoke or odour) 

  • Smoke must not cross roadways or obstruct driver visibility 

  • Fires must be always supervised by a responsible adult 

  • Fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the area 

Non-Recreational Fires require a valid permit and must meet additional conditions. 

Rules 

  • Burning is only permitted between sunrise and sunset 

  • Only clean, dry materials may be burned, including wood, brush and natural vegetation 

  • Do not burn household garbage, petroleum products, plastics, rubber, or any materials that produce excessive smoke 

  • Recreational fires must be kept at a safe distance 

  • All other fires must be set at least 50 feet (15 metres) from buildings, trees, fences, highways, overhead wires and combustible materials 

  • The burn area must not exceed the size specified on your approved permit 

  • Clear the area of all vegetation to prevent fire from spreading 

  • Fires must not negatively affect neighbouring properties through smoke, odour, or ash 

  • Smoke must not drift across roads or reduce visibility for drivers 

  • A fire extinguisher or approved extinguishing method must be readily available 

  • Fires must be actively always supervised by a responsible adult 

  • Fires must be fully extinguished before leaving the site 

  • The area must continue to be monitored for at least 24 hours after extinguishment 

Any violation of the by-law may result in the fire being extinguished and the permit cancelled by fire officials. 

Apply for a Burn Permit

Contact Us

Town of Saugeen Shores
600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820
Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
Phone 519-832-2008
Toll Free 1-866-832-2008
Fax 519-832-2140