Outdoor Burning Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to Outdoor Burning in the Towns of Newmarket and Aurora:

1. No fires are permitted during a fire ban.
2. No fires are permitted on commercial or industrial properties.
3. No fires are permitted between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.
4. Fires MUST be in a container, apparatus or physical construct that is capable of controlling the spread of the fire.
5. Fire pits, outdoor ovens or "chimineas" are examples of acceptable containers or apparatus.
6. Chimineas must have any material being burnt contained within the confines of the appliance and the chiminea must not be on a combustible surface (including a wooden deck).
7. No noxious or treated materials may be burnt, including oil, grease, painted wood, pressure treated wood, plastics, tires, rags, etc.
8. No materials may be burnt that are normally collected under the Town's garbage, recycling or yard waste collection programs.
9. Fires cannot be larger than 0.75metres (30 inches) in diameter and NO more than 1 metre (40 inches) in height, including flame height.
10. Fires must be at least 4 metres (13 feet) from any lot line, building, structure, deck, hedge, tree, fence, vehicular right of way or overhead wire.
11. A responsible person at least 18 years of age MUST be present at all times that the fire is burning.
12. A garden hose MUST be located in close proximity to the fire (with the hose valve opened) at all times that the fire is burning.
13. Fires are NOT permitted on land or premises where construction is ongoing.
14. A fire is NOT permitted when the direction or intensity of the wind may cause the uncontrolled spread of the fire to other combustible materials, including grass and brush.

NOTE: No permit is required to have a fire in the Towns of Newmarket and Aurora.

COMPLIANCE: When CYFS responds to complaints of open burning and it is determined that the burning does NOT comply with this by-law, the persons having the fire will be directed to extinguish it, or it WILL BE extinguished by CYFS. In the event that a property owner is repetitively not complying with the provisions of the by-law, CYFS may charge the cost of responding to the incident to the property owner. The current cost would be $500.00 per response.

For more information, please call Central York Fire Services at 905-895-9222

 OutdoorBurningRestrictions.pdf (Printable)

Aurora Burning Bylaw

Newmarket Burning Bylaw