New Open Air Fire Permit Form: Key messages
- Ward 5 Staff
- Dec 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 19, 2025
Residents in eligible areas can now apply for their 2026 Open Air Fire Permits through the new online portal.
Open air fire permits
• A permit is required for all open-air fires on private property. Permitted open air fires
include campfires, backyard fireplaces, chiminea, brush piles, and agricultural burns.
• Use the address look-up tool to check if your property is eligible for a permit.
• Before you burn:
o Understand your responsibilities as described in the Open Air Fire By-law (No.
o Keep your permit and permit number nearby – you may be asked to produce
them upon request.
o Contact Ottawa Fire Services at 613-580-2880 to ensure a burn ban is not in
effect or visit the Open Air Fire Permit web page.
o Depending on your permit type, you may also be required to report your open
air fire to Ottawa Fire Services in advance.
• For more information about open air fires and permits, visit our Open air fire permit
New permit portal
• This new portal provides residents a streamlined approach to managing their open air
fire permits.
• Residents can view their open air fire permits in one place, including a copy of their
permit, the expiry date and other details. Ottawa Fire Services will also share important
information through the portal – like when a burn ban comes into effect.
• This new portal is not connected to the old portal. All residents will need to create a
new account on the new portal before submitting their application.
• Residents can apply for annual, annual restricted and annual agricultural open air fire
permits on the new portal. The application process for specific event permits has not
changed and details are available on the Specific Event open air fire permit page.
• Once your application is submitted and the payment is processed, your open air fire
permit is valid and will be available on your portal on the My Permits page for download
or printing. Permit holders will immediately receive a receipt and a copy of their permit
via email
