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Fires in Open Air Guidelines
In order to protect the citizens of Gravenhurst and their property from potential fire
hazards, a Burning Control By-law exists within the Town of Gravenhurst. This
guideline is strictly designed for educational purposes. For accurate inquiries,
the by-law itself should be referred to.
A Ministry of Natural Resources declared restricted fire zone has ultimate
jurisdiction and must be adhered to at all times. Open air fires including those
set for warmth or cooking are not permitted during a declared restricted fire
zone.
Fire Permits for small scale residential burning are no longer issued by the Ministry
of Natural Resources. A fire in open air is not permitted in the areas of Town
identified in the absolute prohibition area described below. Barbeques and fires for
warmth and cooking are exempt. Fires for warmth or cooking cannot be greater
than 75cm (30 inches) in diameter nor 90cm (36 inches) in height.
ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION
- No person shall set a fire in open air nor in a yard incinerator within Ward 1,
Birchpark Estates (Fernwood Drive, Pratt Crescent, or Watson Lane). James Street West
(#575, 585 or 595), or Calydor Hills (Islander Drive, Oriole Crescent or Segwun
Boulevard), Gateway Estates (Gateway Drive or Grace Court), 360 Moody Drive or Bethune
Drive North (#360, 370 or 380).
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FIRES IN OTHER AREAS
- Are permitted in all other areas of the municipality provided the following burn
regulations are adhered to.
BURNING REGULATIONS
No person shall set a fire in open air or permit a fire to burn:
- Using materials other than Class A combustibles (wood, cloth and paper)
- On any traveled portion of any common and public highway
- On any asphalt surface
- Within 15 metres of a structure or vehicle
- Unless constantly attended to by a responsible person until the fire is out
- Without having apparatus, equipment and personnel and a supply of water ready,
sufficient to control the fire
- Under conditions whereby the wind may carry or expand the fire to another part of the
lot on which the fire is located, or to another lot
- In such a manner and condition that the smoke there from impairs the vision of a motorist
at a distance of 150 metres or less
- Which includes a fire in a yard incinerator from April 1st of each and
every year to October 31st of each and every year except from two (2) hours before sunset
through the night to two (2) hours after sunrise. (The daily Toronto papers provide this
information)
- Unless placed in a single pile less than two (2) metres in diameter and less than two
(2) metres high. Notwithstanding the generality of this clause, the Chief
Fire Official or his designate may upon application extend the size of the
pile to be burned. (amended by By-law 2000-02)
- Within two (2) metres of flammable materials
- Within five (5) metres of any forest or
- In a yard incinerator unless enclosed and covered by a heavy steel screen mesh with
openings less than five (5) millimetres.
GRASS FIRES
In addition to the above requirements, no person shall set a grass fire or permit a
grass fire to burn:
- In an area greater than one (1) hectare (2.5 acres) unless a fire permit has been issued
by the Ministry of Natural Resources
- Where the flaming edge is greater than 30 metres
- New toll-free Muskoka Forest Fire Danger Rating call 1-877-847-1577.
- During the fire season contractors may burn during the restricted hours, in permitted areas, upon applying for
and receiving a fire permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources to do so.
After the fire season, applications for a fire permit must be made to the
Chief Fire Official. Three days notice must be given.
- Failure to comply will result in the fire being extinguished and charges may be laid
- Upon the fire department being dispatched to extinguish an illegal fire a service fee of
$250.00 will be levied
- Other types of open air burning not covered by the by-law must have the appropriate
permit(s) issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources or the Ministry of Environment and
Energy
- The by-law does not exempt any person from their responsibility involving the impact of
smoke on the surrounding air quality. Check with the Ministry of Environment and Energy
for more details.
This guideline is strictly designed for educational and reference purposes. For
accurate inquiries, the by-law itself should be referred to. Contact the Chief By-Law
Enforcement Officer at the Town Office, 687-3412 about any inquiries regarding the by-law
or enforcement concerns.
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