The Welland Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind everyone that open-air fires are permitted as per City of Welland By-law 2011-85; however, all should proceed with caution and courtesy. Burn Permits for rural properties will resume this year; contact Fire Prevention to arrange for this permit.

Open Air Burning Rules

·      Recreational fires are allowed between 4PM and 11PM

·      You can only burn on private property and must have written permission from the property owner.

·      The fire is completely contained within a metal, masonry, or ceramic enclosure device with no openings of any kind that are not completely covered at all times, except when charging the device with fuel, by tight fitting and suitable metal spark screen(s) in which no opening is larger than 6 mm in any dimension,

·      The Hearth area designated for the fire is not more than 66 centimeters in any horizontal dimension,

·      The pile of materials to be burned is not more than 66 centimeters in height,

·      All solid fuels are completely contained at all times within the fire device and screens,

·      The device is not located on any combustible surface,

·      The fire is controlled such that flames and hot embers do not pose an undue risk of fire to nearby combustible materials,

·      The fire is not burned on any smog day,

·      The fire is located in a Back-Yard,

·      The fire is no closer than 3 meters to the property line, and

·      The fire is attended at all times by a responsible person to supervise it

·      Must have a charged garden hose line, or a 10-A rated fire extinguisher, or a 15L pail of water

·      Please consider wind direction and how the smoke from your fire may affect the health and well-being of your neighbours

For frequently asked questions visit https://www.welland.ca/Fire/FireFAQ.asp