Open Burning

The Ontario Fire Code prohibits open air burning. This includes fires that take place in fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and chimenias unless the fire is small, confined, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill or barbecue. The St. Catharines Fire Service uses the following guidelines for cooking fires:

• The fuel area may not exceed four square feet (two by two)
• A continuous, non-combustible containment wall that is a maximum of one foot high must surround the fire. This wall includes area beneath ground level
• A 10-foot clearance from all combustible objects, such as fences, vehicles, and all structures, including overhangs, must be maintained
• The fire must contain a grill over the fire at the top of the containment wall
• Flames are not to extend above the grill level
•  The fire must be supervised at all times by an adult
• A means of extinguishing the fire (garden hose, fire extinguisher, shovel with dirt) must be available within 20 feet of the fire location.
• The fire must be extinguished immediately after use. A reasonable cooking time is permitted.

Should a call be received regarding an open air burn, fire services will respond to assess the situation and determine if a contravention of the provincial regulation has occurred.

If the fire appears to not meet standards or any concern is noted, which may include smoke, the fire will be extinguished. If the fire appears to meet the above conditions, fire services will return after a reasonable time period to ensure that the fire has been extinguished.

Penalty for failure to comply with the open air burning requirements of the Ontario Fire Code may result a fine of up to $100,000 upon conviction.