For Immediate Release
Minden, Ontario
Tuesday April 18, 2023
12:00 noon
Release # 23-20 

SUBJECT:    Fire Season April 1^st to October 31^st – Burn Permits Required for Daytime Burning

The Township would like to remind the public that Fire Season is April 1^st to October 31^st each year. During this period, a Burn Permit is required for daytime burning between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and a Fireworks Permit is required for the use or discharge of Fireworks.

If you wish to burn during the day, or use/discharge Fireworks, you must apply for a Burn Permit or a Fireworks Permit. Permit Applications are available online at the Township of Minden Hills website at https://www.mindenhills.ca/burn/fireworks/permits/, in person at the Minden Hills Fire Hall, located at 12418 Hwy 35 Minden ON, or the Township Administration office, located at 7 Milne Street, Minden ON. Please contact the Fire Department at 705-286-1202.

Permits are issued by the Minden Hills Fire Department. Burn Permits are valid for the entire season and Fireworks Permits are valid only for the date they are approved for. In the event of a Fire Ban or other Fire Restriction, all Burn or Fireworks Permits are suspended until further notice by the Township.

A total ban against outdoor burning and fireworks may be declared when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances warrant it. It is your responsibility to be aware of fire bans. You may view the fire meter on the home page of the Township’s website at www.mindenhills.ca for updates.

Bylaw #20-104 - Open Air Burning Bylaw, sets out the requirements for burning and fireworks use in the municipality. Approved materials include piled wood, brush, leaves or discarded wood products. Burning of garbage and waste is prohibited. Please refer to the Open Air Burning Bylaw, available online at the Township of Minden Hills website - www.mindenhills.ca for more information.

The following rules apply to all fires, regardless of time of day or permit:

• A responsible person is available and in attendance at all times until the fire is completely extinguished;
• The fire is on the property listed;
• The material is burned in a single pile that is less than two (2) metres in diameter and less than two (2) metres high, unless it is approved, in writing by the Chief Fire Official or designate;
• Fire must be located a safe distance (3 metres minimum) from combustible materials, property line, buildings, fences, trees (including overhead) and roadway;
• Only burn wood or by-products of wood;
• Not burn noxious or restricted waste materials;
• The person tending the fire has tools and/or extinguishing agent adequate to contain and completely the fire; and
• The fire is completely extinguished before the burn site is vacated.

A reminder that anyone setting, maintaining or allowing to be set or maintained, an open air fire or fireworks is responsible for any damage to property or injury to persons and is liable for all costs incurred by the Fire Department. Contravention of these restrictions will result in fines as set out in the Township’s Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Please visit www.mindenhills.ca for accurate updates. The Minden Hills Fire Department will continue to monitor for fire hazards and post updates, as required. Information on fire intensity codes and wildfires can be found at www.ontario.ca.

-END-

Contact Information:
Shain Duda, Fire Chief
Township of Minden Hills
PO Box 359, 7 Milne Street
Minden, ON K0M 2K0