Fire Services

Open-air burning is regulated by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (Ontario Regulation 388/97). Article 2.6.3.4. of the Act states (among other things) that, "Open Air Burning is not permitted unless approved…". By-law No. 58-2024, provides for the regulation and control of the setting of fires and the prevention of fire in the Township. Permits are required for non-recreational/agricultural open-air burning in the Township. When a proposed fire does not meet the requirements of a permit, the property owner may apply for a special permit, which is issued by the Fire Chief.

Don't forget to call at least 30 minutes before every burn: (519) 842-2481

Only property owners can apply. A tenant, worker or family member wishing to apply must call the Municipal Office (519) 485-0477 to provide verbal approval, or email fireadmin@swox.org with written approval. 

Permits are not required for recreational burning (i.e., campfires).

An agricultural/non-recreational permit is a lifetime permit (one-time fee of $50.00) that meets the following criteria:

1. New permit application or property has changed ownership
2. Fires must be located at least 30 meters (98.4 feet) horizontally from any portion of a structure, vegetation, materials or utilities.
3. Fires must be located at least 150 meters (492.1 feet) from any occupied building.
4. Fires are not permitted between the hours of 1/2 hour before sunset, and 1/2 hour after sunrise.
5. Telephone Fire Dispatch 519-842-2481 at least 30 minutes prior to ignition on the date of the burn.
6. The Fire Chief reserves the right to revoke a permit at any time for failure to comply with the conditions and requirements outlined in the permit, or the Township's Open-Air Burning By-law. When a permit is revoked, the property owner/applicant will be required to wait at least 60 days before they can be considered for a new permit.

A special permit is a four-week period ($35 fee) that meets the following criteria:

1. Does not meet the criteria of recreational burns and/or agricultural/non-recreational burn permits (i.e., for larger than permitted piles, demolition, special circumstances).
2. Burning outside of a settlement area/rural cluster.
3. Site visit required by Chief Fire Official or designate.
4. Burns shall be located at least 30 meters (98.4 feet) from any combustible structure, vegetation, materials or public utility.
5. Burning during daylight hours only, fire must be completely extinguished 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise unless otherwise authorized by the Chief Fire Official in which case the burn will be supervised until completely extinguished.
6. Burning only approved materials as noted in the inspection.

7. All conditions and special conditions listed on the permit shall be strictly adhered to.

8. The fire must always be supervised, not left abandoned, and extinguishment must be confirmed before leaving the area.

9. The landowner must notify fire dispatch at the phone number provided on the valid burn permit at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the burn.

All permits will be void on known smog days, or days when the Township has issued a ban.

Online Application Form

Your application will be reviewed within 10 days of submission.

If your fire does not meet the permit requirements, please contact the Municipal Office to inquire about a special permit. Permits are not required for recreational fires (i.e., campfires).

Paper applications are available at the Municipal Office, alternate formats are available upon request. Contact us for assistance from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Fire Dept Admin is in the office Monday to Thursday), excluding holidays.

Requirements for all open-air burning are included on the burn permit application, and permit. By signing the application and permit, you acknowledge following terms and conditions (below):

REVOCATION: The Fire Chief reserves the right to revoke a permit at any time for failing to comply with the conditions and requirements outlined on the permit or the Township's Open Air Burning By-law. Where a Permit is revoked the property owner/applicant will be required to wait for at least 60 days before they can be considered for another Permit. 

AGREEMENT: The property owner/applicant agrees to all conditions/requirements herein and to be responsible for any and all damages to their own property and any neighboring property and any other damage resulting from the burning of herein and to be responsible for any and all damages to their own property and any neighboring property and any other damage resulting from the burning of materials and agrees to hold the Township of South-West Oxford harmless from any damages.

LEGISLATION: The property owner/applicant shall comply with all Federal or Provincial enactment, law or regulation, or any other municipal law by setting of a fire.

VIOLATION OF THE CONDITIONS/REQUIREMENTS OF THIS PERMIT WILL RESULT IN THE PERMIT BEING REVOKED AND/OR THE PROPERTY OWNER BEING FINED AND/OR INVOICED FOR FEES, INCLUDING COSTS FOR ANY FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT TOWNHIP OF SOUTH-WEST OXFORD FEES AND CHARGES BY-LAW.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. It is the intention of this permit that smoke from your fire will stay on and above your own property. Smoke should not travel to a neighboring property to cause discomfort or loss of enjoyment or normal use of property, or normal conduction of business. Smoke must not travel across any public road.
2. The fire shall be located at least 30 meters (98.4 feet) horizontally from any portion of a combustible structure, vegetation, combustible materials and public utilities. Fire must be located at least 150 meters (492.1 feet) from any occupied building.
3. The fire must be supervised at all times - NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Fires are not permitted between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise.
5. All permits are suspended during periods of gusting or sustained wind speeds that exceed 20 kph, and when a smog advisory has been issued by Environment Canada.
6. The person supervising the fire must have means to call the fire department (cell phone) while the fire is burning and have tools and water available and on site to control the fire.
7. No person shall set a fire on municipal property, including roadways and ditches.
8. Complaints from neighbors or other contraventions of this Permit will result in immediate termination of this Permit.
9. Only “Authorized Materials” prescribed below are permitted to be burned.
   1. Wood and wood by-products that have not been chemically treated, painted or stained.
   2. White or brown paper and cardboard for the purpose of starting a fire.
   3. Dry brush, stumps, hay, straw, and grass or other dry yard or natural agricultural materials.
   4. Natural petroleum gases or liquids used as appliance fuels.
   5. Charcoal materials in a BBQ.

10. Burning of petroleum products such as roofing materials, tires, oil, rubber or plastics is strictly prohibited.

11. The fire must be fully extinguished and burn site made safe at the completion of the burn.

12. Your application will be reviewed by the Fire Chief within 10 business days of your application.

FAQs

Question: Do I need a permit for a small backyard campfire?

Answer: No, as long as you comply with the requirements of the by-law. Fires must be at least 2 feet by 2 feet, with flames not to exceed 2 feet in height. 

Question: Can I burn leaves?

Answer: Yes, as long as they are dry. As per the By-law you can burn "other dry yard or natural agricultural materials".

Question: Can I burn an old barn or other structure?

Answer: You may require a special permit, please contact our office as we will require more information to process your application.