↓Overview
↓Who this is for
↓What you need
↓How to apply
↓Fees
↓Burn bans
↓Fire regulations
↓Open air fire safety
↓Apply now
A burn permit allows you to have certain types of outdoor fires in Milton, such as contained fires or brush burning. The permit helps keep you, your neighbours, and emergency responders safe by ensuring fires follow local rules and conditions.
Burn permits are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of the calendar year.
Important: Propane and natural gas fire pits do not require a burn permit.
This service is for:
Residents planning a container or brush fire
Property owners burning approved yard waste brush permit
Agricultural landowners carrying out agricultural burning
Before applying for a burn permit, you should:
Confirm your planned fire type is allowed
Review burn bans and fire regulations
Have your property details ready
All permit fees are non-refundable.
You can apply for a burn permit in one of two ways.
Book an appointment by email or phone: 905-878-9251 ext. 2803.
Visit Milton Fire & Rescue Services at your scheduled time.
Complete your application and payment in person.
Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 9 – 11 a.m. and 2 – 4 p.m.
Burn permit fees vary by permit type, please review User Fee By-law.
All fees are non-refundable once submitted.
Online permits are typically issued up to 48 business hours.
In-person permits are issued up to 48 business hours after payment.
The Town will issue a burn ban due to dry or dangerous conditions. When a burn ban is in effect, bonfires, campfires, brush fires, and agricultural burns are not allowed, even with a valid permit.
To check current burn ban conditions, contact the dispatch line (905-878-9251) or monitor current weather conditions. High winds (over 30 km/h) may result in a ban.
Before lighting any outdoor fire, you must follow all applicable fire regulations. The sections below outline the most common rules based on fire type.
To reduce the risk of fire spread or damage, all permitted outdoor fires must be set a safe distance away from nearby combustible items.
Building and structures
Property lines
Trees
Hedges
Fences
Roadways
Overhead wires
Other combustible objects
This safety requirement applies to all fire types listed below.
Outdoor Fire Container permits cover chimineas and outdoor fireplaces.
If you’re having an outdoor container fire, you need to:
Burn only between dawn and 1 a.m.
Use a container no larger than 2 ft in length, width, and height.
Burn clean, dry wood only.
Avoid smoke or odors that inconvenience others.
Your fire container must be at least 5 m (16.4 ft) away from the nearby combustible items listed above.
Before any burning takes place, Milton Fire & Rescue Services must be notified.
Use a fire pit or barrel no larger than 1.2 m (4 ft) in length, width, and height.
Keep the fire at least 15 m (50 ft) away from the nearby combustible items listed above.
Before any burning takes place, Milton Fire & Rescue Services must be notified.
Burn only in open air.
Fire size must not exceed 3 m (10 ft) in width, length, and height.
Keep the fire at least 30 m (100 ft) away from the nearby combustible items listed above.
Outdoor fires carry risks, even when permitted. Always monitor fires closely and keep water or extinguishing tools nearby. Watch the Open Air Fire Safety video and review the Open Air By-law for full requirements.