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Outdoor burning and rural brush permits in Whitby, Ontario
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Wood-burning backyard campfires, chimineas and firebowls are not permitted by Whitby’s outdoor-fire guidance. Permits are for approved rural or agricultural brush burning, not ordinary backyard recreation.
Key information
Wood-burning backyard campfires, chimineas and firebowls are not permitted by Whitby’s outdoor-fire guidance. Permits are for approved rural or agricultural brush burning, not ordinary backyard recreation.
On this page
Request a brush-burning permit at a glance
- Choose the rural residential or agricultural online application that matches the
Choose the rural residential or agricultural online application that matches the land and material.
- Wait for Fire Department review and its result
Wait for Fire Department review and its result. Pay only through the arrangement made after approval. Each listed permit costs $94.92.
- Follow permit conditions and check for a fire ban or suspension before burning
Follow permit conditions and check for a fire ban or suspension before burning. Approval can be suspended if fire conditions require it.
Sources: Outdoor burning permits
Outdoor fire categories
| Activity or device | Town guidance |
|---|---|
| Propane or gas barbecue | Permitted category |
| Cooking appliance | Permitted category |
| Approved outdoor gas fireplace | Permitted category |
| Wood campfire, chiminea or firebowl | Not permitted |
| Rural tree trimmings | Approved rural permit |
| Agricultural brush or vegetation | Approved agricultural permit |
Sources: Outdoor burning permits
Request a brush-burning permit
- Choose the rural residential or agricultural online application that matches the land and material.
- Wait for Fire Department review and its result. Pay only through the arrangement made after approval. Each listed permit costs $94.92.
- Follow permit conditions and check for a fire ban or suspension before burning. Approval can be suspended if fire conditions require it.
Sources: Outdoor burning permits
Validity and prohibited material
A rural residential permit expires four months after approval. An agricultural permit expires at the end of the calendar year, so its available duration depends on when approved.
Rural permits do not allow construction material. Agricultural permits do not allow off-site landscaping debris, garbage or construction material. Use proper waste disposal for prohibited material.
The town can impose a burning ban or suspend all permits. Holding a permit does not override a suspension.
Sources: Outdoor burning permits
Questions and answers
Can I have a wood campfire in my Whitby yard?
The town lists campfires, chimineas and firebowls as not permitted.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
Are gas barbecues included in the prohibited category?
No. Gas or propane barbecues are a permitted category in this guidance.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
What kind of gas fireplace is allowed?
One approved for outdoor use by TSSA or another approval agency.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
Can a rural permit authorize tree-trimming disposal?
Yes, at an approved rural location after Fire Department review.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
Is a farm brush permit different?
Yes. The agricultural route is for brush or vegetation on agricultural or farm land.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
How much is each listed permit?
$94.92, with payment arranged after approval.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
How long does a rural residential permit last?
Four months after approval.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
Does an agricultural permit last 12 months?
No. It expires at the end of the calendar year.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
Can a farm permit burn imported landscaping debris?
No. Off-site landscaping debris is prohibited under the listed agricultural permit rules.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
Can I burn during a ban if I already paid?
No. Fire Services can ban burning or temporarily suspend permits.
Source: Outdoor burning permits
Sources: Outdoor burning permits