Fire Ban Status

There is not a Fire Ban in Place.

In addition to municipal fire bans, the Ministry of Natural Resources may also have a fire ban or declare a Restricted Fire Zone for some or all of our region. See this link for the latest information and to check their interactive map. If you live in an area under a Restricted Fire Zone, you must follow MNR guidelines.

Fire Ban Descriptions

Level 1 Fire Ban

During a Level 1 Fire Ban, no open air fires can be set, except during the following conditions:

  • The open air fire is contained within a non-combustible metal, masonry (brick), ceramic or stone outdoor fireplace or is contained within a pit in the ground that does not exceed 90 centimetres (3 feet) in height, width and length.
  • The material burned in the open air fire is clean dry wood, and is placed in a single pile and does not exceed 90 centimetres (3 feet) in height, width and length.
  • The open air fire must be, at minimum, 5 metres (16 feet) away from any building, structure, hedge, fence, overhead wiring, trees, or other combustible material or the lot line.
  • Water, sand or a fire extinguisher must be immediately available at the site of the open air fire to put the fire out at a moments notice. A mobile phone must be present to call South Frontenac Fire & Rescue if needed.
  • An adult (person over the age of 18) must present and in control of the open air fire at all times.
  • Fireworks are NOT permitted during a Level 1 Burn Ban.
Total Fire Ban No open air burning of any kind, including campfires and cooking fires. Fireworks are NOT permitted. Only cooking appliances with a mechanical shut-off, such as a barbecue or propane stove are permitted.

South Frontenac Fire and Rescue personnel will continue to monitor conditions and notify the public of any status changes.

Fire bans can be put in place at any time. Our Open Air Burning By-Law, By-law 2026-27 outlines what types of open air burning is permitted when.

Residents are reminded that any infraction can result in significant financial penalties. If you have questions or concerns, contact SFFR at 613-376-3027 or by email at fireadmin@southfrontenac.net. We’ve listed some common questions below.

No. The Township looked into a permit system in 2021, but currently no permit is required.

You can have an open air fire to burn brush or burn it in an incinerator or pit. Follow the guidelines in the by-law. Approved brush pile fires must be less than 10 feet x 10 feet. Always make sure there is at least 20 feet between the fire and any building, wooded area or neighbouring property. Never burn brush if conditions are dry or there are high winds. You can also take brush to our the Portland Waste Disposal Sites.

You should never burn garbage, as it can emit harmful contaminants in the air.

You do not need a permit for a family fireworks display, but note fireworks displays are subject to our Noise By-law. We encourage you to read the safety tips on the Fire Prevention page and always follow instructions when lighting fireworks. For larger community displays, you do need to fill out an application for a special or significant event, and have it approved by Council.

Contact Us

South Frontenac
Fire and Rescue

Mailing address:
4432 George St. Box 100
Sydenham ON, K0H 2T0
T: 613-376-3027
TF: 1.800-559-5862
(if calling within the
613 area code)
fireadmin@southfrontenac.net

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