The Centre Wellington Fire Department, as per the “Ontario Fire Code” requires permits for all open air burning.
Standard Open Air Burning Permits: 2m x 2m x 2m in height are valid from the time of issuance to the end of the calendar year for a fee of $25.00.
NOTE: Any variance to the Standard Open Air Burning Permit must be approved by the Public Safety Officer and requires an inspection of the site. An inspection fee of $40.00 is applicable.
Extinguishing equipment must be on site at all times with persons in attendance.
Open Air Burning includes :
- Outdoor Fireplaces
- Recreational Campfires
- All Outdoor Fires
To obtain your Open Air Burning Permit you may:
- In person: Attend the Fire Administration Office, located at the Fergus Fire Station, 250 Queen Street West, Fergus between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday or
- By Online Purchase: Click Online Burning Permit found under Online Services menu of our web site to complete the permit application. Payment options include: Visa, MasterCard and INTERAC Online (with participating financial institutions.)
Guidelines for the Safe Use of Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor style fireplaces, currently sold in the Centre Wellington area, including but not limited to the "Back-Yard Max" and "Chimneys, are deemed to constitute open air burning.
The use of outdoor fireplaces is to comply with the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and operating instructions. In the absence of manufacturer’s safety guidelines, the following guidelines are to be complied with:
- The outdoor fireplace must be installed on a non-combustible surface.
- Maintain a minimum three-metre clearance between the fireplace and combustible objects and surfaces to prevent ignition from radiant heat.
- Burn wood products only. Petroleum products, rubbish, grass, plastics, rubber or any other material that may cause excessive heat or smoke is not permitted.
- The amount of material being burnt is to be limited to ensure that the flames are confined to the unit and do not extend into the chimney.
- Permits are required for each site and are valid for the calendar year for which it was issued. Permits must be available for viewing at the burn site upon request.
- The fire is to be attended and supervised at all times.
- All fires are to be completely extinguished at the end of each use.
- Complaints received regarding problems associated with smoke may be cause for an approval to be rescinded. Burning is not to take place when winds will cause smoke to be a safety hazard or an annoyance to nearby properties or roadways.
- Equipment capable of extinguishing the fire at any time conditions warrant is to be on site at all times burning is carried out (i.e. portable fire extinguishers, garden hose, sand).
ADDITIONAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
- Check the unit regularly for the appearance of cracks or other physical deterioration.
- The fireplace must not be touched while there is a fire burning. Wait at least 30 minutes after the fire is out before touching the fireplace, use gloves if necessary.