With warmer weather approaching, you may have questions about outdoor burning. Here are some quick answers to help keep everyone safe and compliant with the Town of Kearney’s Open Air Burning By-law.
What is considered “open air burning”?• Any fire set outdoors to burn wood, brush, leaves, or organic debris.
• Includes burn barrels, brush piles, and outdoor camp fires not used for cooking.
When can I burn?• Ontario Fire Season runs from April 1st - October 31st annually, however burning times may be restricted depending on the season and fire danger rating, keep watch of fire rating signs and/or KFES Facebook updates.
Do I need a permit to burn?• Yes — open air burning within the Town of Kearney requires approval under municipal by-law. This also goes for large brush pile burning.
• Always check current fire danger ratings and permit requirements before burning.
• Permits can be acquired at the fire station.
Are campfires allowed?• Yes, small recreational fires are typically permitted if:
• An responsible adult is present at all times
• The fire is small (approx. 2 ft x 2 ft)
• A water source (hose/bucket) is readily available
• The fire is fully extinguished before leaving.
What can I burn?• Clean, dry wood only
• Do NOT burn: garbage, plastics, treated wood, or household waste
What safety rules should I follow?• Keep fires a safe distance from buildings, trees, and structures.
• Never burn during windy or dry conditions
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Have tools ready to extinguish the fire quickly.
Can burning be restricted or banned?• Yes — during dry conditions or High /Extreme fire danger, burn bans may be put in place
• Even small fires can spread quickly in dry spring conditions
Can I burn during a fire ban?• NO, burning during posted fire bans are prohibited. Absolutely no open air burning of any kind is allowed, and may be subject to the maximum penalties. BBQ’s are ok during this time.
What happens if I don’t follow the by-law?• You may be subject to fines
• You can be held responsible for any damage or fire response costs
Why only after 6pm?• Burning is only allowed after 6:00pm due to increased daytime fire risk from wind, heat, and low humidity. Evenings are typically cooler and calmer, making burning safer. This also aligns with Ontario-based fire ratings, and annual fire season which is from April 1 - Oct 31st.
• Kearney Fire is an on-call, volunteer-based service, and during the day many firefighters are at their full time jobs, which can limit immediate response availability.
Reminder: Spring seasons bring dry grass and dead vegetation — fires can spread quickly even when conditions seem safe.
If you have questions about permits or current fire ratings, contact Kearney Fire & Emergency Services and speak with the Fire Chief