Burn Permits and Inspections

Burn Permits

City of Elliot Lake residents and those in the nine townships are permitted to have a campfire in approved backyard fire pits between April 1 and October 31 each year. You must meet special requirements before we can give you a burning permit.

It is important to be aware of the risk of accidental brush fire due to dry conditions. Learn more about the potential danger of wildfires in our area.

Burn permits are available for purchase in person at the Elliot Lake Fire Department or online at the link below:

Purchase a Burn Permit

Requirements for a burning permit

$10 permit fee (cash only if picked up at the fire station)
The fire permit holder shall print or save a copy of the permit & shall produce the permit if requested by the Fire Chief or Officer of the Fire Department.
Burning can only be conducted after 6PM & before 10AM & at no other time.
Size of Fire:
- URBAN: No more than .226 cubic meter being .61x.61x.61 (2'x2'x2') of material can be burned at one time.
- RURAL: All land clearing debris shall be in piles separated by at least 4.57 meters (15 feet).
The fire shall be overseen at all times by an adult person and the permit holder shall maintain at all times during the burning at the site equipment to suppress the fire including but not limited to shovels, water, hose and pumps.
No burning shall be conducted if wind speeds are over 16 km/hour.
The permit holder shall not create a condition that interferes with the use of the property of any neighbouring property owner.
Shall not burn at a distance of less than 3 meters (9.85') from a building, structure, hedge, highway, overhead wire or any other obstruction. Further shall not burn garbage or any materials, which are toxic or hazardous including, but not limited to, painted or pressure treated material.
Other conditions as may be added to the Fire Permit by the Fire Chief.
Extinguishment: the fire permit holder is responsible to ensure total extinguishment of the fire prior to leaving the fire unattended.

It is your responsibility to ensure a safe campfire experience. The permit holder may responsible for Fire Department costs in fire extinguishing caused by your campfire.

Inspections

Our Fire Department conducts inspections to ensure that standards of the Ontario Fire Code are met in Elliot Lake. The Fire Code enhances the safety of structures and buildings by establishing safety standards for properties, systems, buildings and lands. It is a provincial regulation that our department uses to ensure businesses and residences are operated safely.

Fire Protection and Prevention Act

The Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA) enables municipalities to provide all Ontarians with the best possible protection from fire. The Ontario Fire Code is a regulation under the FPPA. Our fire department follows and enforces all the FPPA's rules and regulations.

Request an Inspection

Some inspections are performed on schedule and some are requested because of potential hazards. If you would like to request a fire inspection, please email the Fire Department, call 705-848-3232 or visit the fire station at 55 Hillside Dr. N.

When we conduct fire inspections

We conduct fire inspections when:

We receive complaints of potential hazards
When a lawyer makes an inquiry (usually on a transfer of land)
Land is sold, such as:
- Sale of apartment buildings
- Sale of residential buildings with basement apartments
- Sale of large, multi-use buildings
Special use facilities requires annual inspection, such as:
- Vendors' carts and mobile units
- Daycare facilities, including home daycare
Special use facilities require fire drills twice per year, such as:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Facilities helping those living with disabilities
- Schools