Annual Recreational Fire Permits and Renewals for Backyard Fires

BADEN, ON – In 2022, the Township of Wilmot made changes to the Open Air Fire By-law 2021-40 that promotes public safety, while allowing for backyard fires that are respectful to both neighbouring property owners, and the natural environment.

As of January 1, 2022, backyard campfires are referred to as “recreational fires” and are classified under two distinct permit categories.

• Type 1 Recreational Fire Permits are similar to the previous Contained Site Permits, requiring a minimum yard width 15m.
• Type 2 Recreational Fire Permits will allow residents with smaller lot sizes (minimum width of 10M) to enjoy backyard fires, where not previously permitted, if they are using a safe device such as a fire bowl with a screen.

To support these changes, Wilmot Fire implemented an online system to administer Recreational Fire Permits. This system will help to streamline the application, approval, and payment processing.

If you have a Recreational Fire Permit that was previously approved after January 2022, and nothing regarding the setup of your fire pit or device has changed you may now apply to renew your permit online. For those with limited access to electronic means, Recreational Burn Permits can still be purchased in person at the Township of Wilmot Administrative Complex at 60 Snyder's Road West in Baden, during regular business hours.

As of January 1, 2022, all Contained Site Permits issued prior to 2022 are no longer valid. Residents wishing to have a backyard fire must now purchase a new Recreational Fire Permit and renew it annually. Annual renewals provide the opportunity for permit holders to regularly familiarize themselves with permit terms and conditions, including the fact that only clean, dry firewood can be burned under supervision between noon and midnight.

This updated approach is expected to reduce both the number of calls related to smoke complaints and fire department responses due to out-of-control fires.

The process to obtain an Open-Air Burn Permit for large agricultural burns will remain the same, and staff will continue to process these permits manually, in-person or online.

For more information or to apply for a burn permit, visit wilmot.ca/BurnPermits.

Media contact:
Corporate Communications | Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
Township of Wilmot | 519-634-8444 | communications@wilmot.ca