NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE FIRE SERVICES
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Planning a small recreational fire? There has been a recent change to open-air burning in Sault Ste. Marie.
Open-Air Burning By-law 2024-147 now requires that you obtain an open-air burning permit and follow all requirements of the By-law.
Existing permits are still valid until their expiry date; however, all new requirements must be followed. Annual permits may only be purchased for residential properties. Only the owner of the residential property or tenants with the owner’s permission may purchase open-air burning permits.
Tenants are reminded that written consent from the homeowner will be required prior to issuance of a burning permit for rented properties.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, site inspections by a Fire Prevention Officer are no longer a requirement of the permitting process. However, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure they review and understand all open-air burning requirements.
Failure to adhere to the requirements of open-air burning may result in revoking of the permit, remedial action costs to the owner in accordance with the City’s User Fees and Charges By-law and/or fines and penalties pursuant to the provisions of Section 61 of the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990 c.P. 33., as amended.
Once the permit expires, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to renew the permit.
For more detailed information about open-air burn permits and requirements visit the website.
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For more information about how the city cracked down on outdoor burning last year, read this story.