Open Burning

Londoners Reminded Of Open Burning Bylaw

With a return to milder weather, there has been an increase in the number of outdoor fires that violate a City of London bylaw intended to regulate open burning. Most of the violations have involved burning yard waste.

“London Fire Department would like to remind people that there are a number of environmentally-friendly options for dealing with yard waste rather than burning it in contravention of the open air burning bylaw”, said Deputy Fire Chief Dan Oldridge. “The open air burning bylaw allows for safe and controlled recreational fires such as cooking and campfires, not the burning of yard waste, which can be composted, taken to a drop off site or left curb-side on specific dates for collection by the City of London.”

Recreational burning, such as sitting around a campfire, is allowed between 4 PM and midnight, but only clean, dry seasoned firewood or commercially produced charcoal or briquettes can be burned. The fires must be small and kept in non-combustible containers, outdoor brick fireplaces, chimineas, metal tubs or fire pits at least 4 metres from buildings, property lines, trees, roads and combustible articles. Open air fires are not allowed when wind speeds exceed 15 kilometers per hour, when it is rainy or foggy, or on days when a smog alert or advisory has been issued.

Repeat offenders are subject to a monetary fine, withdrawal of privileges or provincial prosecution, as appropriate. Chief Oldridge adds, “Please conduct your open burning safely by following the open burning bylaw and please be considerate of your neighbours.”

For more information on the complete by-law, please visit our Open Burning page.

For more information

Deputy Fire Chief Dan Oldridge
519 661-2500 ext. 6514