Whether you are having a contained backyard fire or burning brush, you need to get a burn permit. Burn permits are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, yearly.

Purchase a Burn Permit

Please note: propane and natural gas fire pits do not require a burn permit. All application fees are non-refundable.

Fire regulations

Please follow all fire regulations to ensure your safety and to keep fires under control.

Outdoor fire container rules

If you’re having an outdoor container fire, you need to:

  • Burn between the hours of dawn and 1 a.m.
  • Use a container no larger than 2 feet in length, width and height
  • Burn clean, dry wood
  • Avoid causing discomfort to other people

View our fire container distance requirement before starting your fire. Make sure to position the fire 5 metres (16.4 feet) away from:

  • Buildings and structures
  • Property lines
  • Trees
  • Hedges
  • Fences
  • Roadways
  • Overhead wires
  • Other combustible objects

Brush fire rules

Brush fires allow you to burn certain types of yard clippings and green waste. Before starting an open-air brush fire, contact Milton Fire & Rescue Services. Brush fires must be in a fire pit or barrel/drum that is no larger than 1.2 metres (4 feet) in length, width and height. Position your fire 15 metres (50 feet) away from:

  • Buildings and structures
  • Property lines
  • Trees
  • Hedges
  • Fences
  • Roadways
  • Overhead wires
  • Other combustible objects

Agricultural lands burn rules

Before starting an agricultural lands burn, notify Milton Fire & Rescue Services. Your burn must be in open air and be no greater than 3 metres (10 feet) in width, length and height. Position your agricultural burn 30 metres (100 feet) away from:

  • Buildings and structures
  • Property lines
  • Trees
  • Hedges
  • Fences
  • Roadways
  • Overhead wires
  • Other combustible objects

Open air fire safety

Check out our open air fire safety video to learn what you can do to protect your family and home while having an outdoor fire. You can also review the Open Air By-law for more information.