FIRE DEPARTMENT

CURRENT FIRE RATING

LOW RATING

Effective November 1, 2026 the fire rating is set to LOW.

Please Remember:

Daytime burning is now permitted
Brush fires no larger than 2M x 2M
Extinguishing agent available
No person shall set or permit any recreational open-air fire in which any kitchen garbage, Household waste, construction materials, or materials made of/or containing rubber, plastics, treated wood or tar are burned
Minimum distance of 6 meters (19.5 feet) from combustible structures or objects
Minimum distance of 6 meters (19.5 feet) in all directions from adjacent properties

Let's all do our part to prevent wildfires. Stay safe and stay fire smart! If you have any questions with regards to fire safety or the fire rating, please do not hesitate to contact our Fire Prevention Officer, Cameron Haffner, at (705) 788-4676 or by email: fpo@ryersontownship.ca.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I get a burn permit?

NO – We do not issue burn permit for domestic burning. We issue a general contractor burn permit for land clearing for new builds ONLY.

This requires a fire safety inspection of property before and while burning; there is a cost involved.
Can I have a campfire while the fire rating is on HIGH?

YES – Follow the guidelines as set out in the explanation of HIGH and notes below the explanations.

All fires are to be fully extinguished before leaving.
Can I burn furniture, bed mattresses, and household rubbish?

NO – Do not burn anything that is environmentally unfriendly. Untreated or natural materials only.
Can I have a campfire when the rating is at EXTREME?

NO – No fires are permitted. This is a total fire ban.
When can I set fireworks?

ONLY – When the fire rating is LOW or MODERATE.

Read the manufactures instruction prior setting fireworks. Please be responsible when setting fireworks. Though they are fun to watch, once in the air, they are unpredictable.
Can I light and release Chinese lanterns?

NO - There are By-laws in the municipalities of Burk's Falls, Ryerson and Armour that prohibits this.
What size fire can I have?

The fire department would advise when at LOW or MODERATE: no bigger than 6 feet wide, 6 feet tall. If you have a fire that is 3 feet in diameter, the flames will most likely be 5-6 feet. When HIGH, follow the guideline as set out in the explanations. Also, if windy, do not burn.

RULES

Open Air Burning Brush Burning

Open Air Grass Burning

Open Air Incinerator Burning

BYLAWS

Times for Setting Fires Bylaw

Carbon Monoxide Detector Bylaw

Fire Department Fees Bylaw

Regulate and Establish Fire Department Bylaw

Appointment of Fire Chief

Appointment of Deputy Fire Chief

Appointment of Fire Prevention Officer

FIRE CHIEF

Joe Readman

fire@ryersontownship.ca

705-382-4010 / 705-783-3571

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Evan McEneny

705-382-4010

FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER

Cameron Haffner

fpo@ryersontownship.ca

705-788-4676

FIRE PREVENTION

The Burk's Falls and District Fire Department has been accredited for Fire Department Water Tanker Shuttle Accreditation. Contact your home insurance company to determine if you qualify for a reduction in annual fees.

Fire Department Water Tanker Shuttle Accreditation Certificate