At the onset of the COVID-19 emergency, Haldimand County developed an interim process for rural landowners to obtain temporary burn permits. As Haldimand County gradually re-opens, the Fire Department is advising residents of the following:

• No-cost, temporary, non-recreational burn permits will continue to be offered until July 10, 2020. To obtain a permit, residents must call the Fire Department at 905-318-5932 ext. 6230 or 6224 to set up an appointment and arrange for pickup.
• All temporary burn permits issued will remain valid until August 31, 2020. After August 31 anyone who does not currently have a valid permit will be required to purchase one, including temporary permit holders as they will no longer be valid.
• As of September 1, 2020, burn permits will be offered as they were prior to the pandemic – in-person at the Haldimand County Administration Building.

Anyone who conducts a non-recreational burn between July 10 and August 31 and does not have a permit can be charged under the open-air burning by-law.

Interim burn permits are only available at the Emergency Services Headquarters at 11 Thorburn St, S (Cayuga) with a prior phone call completed and an appointment time scheduled. Due to COVID-19 public health requirements, no walk-ins will be allowed without a pre-arranged appointment.

The Haldimand County Fire Department encourages all residents to practice fire safety, comply with the open-air burn by-law, be aware of risks and have protection measures in place when conducting an open-air fire. Many resources are available on the Fire Prevention page of HaldimandCounty.ca, including activity books for children.