Open-air Burning

Burning outdoors might seem harmless, but it can impact the air we all breathe, your health, and the environment. By following a few easy steps and knowing the rules in your area, you can keep yourself, your neighbours, and your community safe.

What is open-air burning?

Open-air burning is any fire outside, for example:

• Burning yard waste (like leaves or branches)

• Cooking with firewood in an outdoor stove or oven

• Burning leftover crops on a farm

• Enjoying a campfire, bonfire, or even a barbecue

Remember: Check with your local fire department or city office before burning. Some areas may ban burning or have rules about when and what you can burn.

How to burn safely

If burning is allowed in your area, follow these tips to stay safe:

1. Know the rules

• Call your local fire department or city office to check if there are any restrictions. Some areas may limit burning during dry or windy weather.

2. Burn clean, dry wood

• Avoid burning garbage, plastic, or treated wood. These release harmful chemicals and create smoky fires.

3. Pick a safe spot

• Keep your fire away from buildings, trees, and anything that could catch fire. Make sure the fire is small and easy to control.

4. Choose the right day

• Avoid burning on windy days or when the air is smokey from other fires. Clear, calm days are best.

5. Be ready for emergencies

• Keep water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby in case the fire spreads.

6. Never leave your fire unattended

• Stay with the fire until it’s completely out. Pour water over it, stir the ashes, and double-check for any leftover embers.

What risks come with open-air burning?

Burning outdoors can cause smoke and release harmful chemicals into the air. Here’s why it’s a concern:

• For your health

• Smoke can make it harder to breathe, trigger asthma, or cause coughing

• Being around smoke often can lead to long-term breathing issues

• Burning materials like plastic or treated wood puts harmful chemicals into the air

• For the environment

• Smoke adds to air pollution and smog, which can harm plants, animals, and people

How to reduce exposure to smoke

Even if you burn safely, smoke can still affect your health. Here’s how to limit the risks:

• Only burn when you really need to

• Use dry wood to produce less smoke

• Stay away from heavy smoke, especially if you have kids or pets nearby

• A healthy fire should give off light, white steam—not heavy, dark smoke

• If neighbours are burning, close your windows and doors to keep smoke outside

Alternatives to burning

If you want to avoid burning altogether, here are some other ways to handle yard waste:

• Compost it

• Turn leaves and branches into compost to feed your garden naturally

• Use city services

• Many towns offer yard waste pickup or have drop-off locations where you can take your leaves and branches

• Chop it up

• Use a wood chipper for large branches or a lawn mower for smaller twigs to make mulch for your yard

What to do next

• Check local rules: Call your municipal office or fire department to find out about burning restrictions in your area

• Burn responsibly: If you need to burn, follow the tips above to keep everyone safe

• Try alternatives: Use composting or city programs to manage yard waste

Need help?

Have questions about open-air burning? Contact your local fire department or municipal office. They’re happy to help and provide advice.