Backyard Fire Permit

Backyard fire permit

The  Open Air Burning Bylaw allows property owners to apply for a backyard fire permit when conditions are met. Read the bylaw before applying.

How to apply

1. Download the pdf Recreational Burn Permit (PDF)(865 KB) , print or fill it digitally.
2. Complete the Plot Plan showing the fire pit location and distances to house, deck, garage and any trees/hedges (minimum 4.6 m / 15 ft).
3. Take a photo of the fire pit in place and attach it to your application or email it to yarmouthfiredept@townofyarmouth.ca
4. Submit the form by email, online, or in person at Town Hall, 400 Main Street. If you submit by hand, bring the completed form to Town Hall.
5. A Yarmouth Fire Department official will contact you within 3–5 days to arrange a site visit and final signatures.

Eligibility and notes

• You must be the property owner to apply.
• pdf Read the Open Air Burning Bylaw(191 KB) before applying.
• Online PDF submission requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader).

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be the property owner for the civic address I'm applying for?

A: Yes, you must be the property owner.

Q: Do I need a permit to use my propane fire pit?

A: No, this permit is for the burning of seasoned wood (not waste) in approved fire pits with a screen arrestor. You do not need a permit for propane appliances.

Q: Can I locate the fire pit anywhere on my property? 

A: The fire pit must be located in your backyard. It also needs to be a minimum of 15 feet (4.6 meters)  away from your house, deck, outbuildings, trees, and other combustibles.

Q: Can I burn at any hour I want? What restrictions are in place for burn times?

A: Open-air burning must not be started any earlier than 7:00 pm Monday to Friday, and not earlier than 2:00 pm on weekends or holidays, or such other time as determined by the Fire Chief, and be extinguished by 12:00 am (midnight).

Q: Are there days I cannot burn? How will I know if there is a ban on burning?

A: No burning will be allowed when Environment Canada or Nova Scotia Environment have issued an Air Quality Advisory applicable to the area, or when it's foggy. The Fire Chief or Nova Scotia Lands and Forestry may declare a burn restriction such as a Fire Ban or No-Burn Day against outdoor burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. Daily notifications are posted at approximately 2 pm whether a burn restriction is in effect on the Town of Yarmouth website home page (scroll down past the news feed area on the home page and look for "Open Air Burning Updates". Also, no burning is allowed when wind speeds are 20km/h or higher.

Q: What else do I need to know about fire bans and restrictions?

A: Daily Restrictions: The Fire Chief or Nova Scotia Lands and Forestry may declare a burn restriction such as a Fire Ban or No-Burn Day against outdoor burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous, including the discharge of fireworks. The public shall be notified daily, whether a burn restriction is in effect on the Town of Yarmouth website, and such other means as the Fire Chief may deem advisable.

Please Note: restrictions published on the Nova Scotia Fire Restrictions website supersede the time allowances specified in the town's bylaws. When no burning or a burn ban is in effect for the County, it equally applies within the town's jurisdiction. Burning restrictions are updated at 2:00 pm daily on the province's page.

Q: How long is my permit good for?

A: Permits issued expire on December 31st and must be renewed annually.