Burn Permits

Burn permits are required for any open-air burning in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal. This includes campfires, brush pile fires, and agricultural burning.

Apply for a Burn Permit

You can get your annual burn permit online or in person:

• Online: Visit ec.burnpermits.com

• In person: Visit the Township Office

• Cost: $10 per calendar year

Permits are valid for the current calendar year only. You must get a new permit each year.

Activate Your Permit Before Every Fire

You must activate your permit before every fire by calling 613-704-2699.

• The system will tell you if a fire ban is in effect.

• Permits stay active for 24 hours.

• If you call from your registered phone number, the system will recognize you automatically.

What You Can Burn

Only dry, seasoned firewood is permitted.

You cannot burn:

• Leaves, branches, or pine needles

• Yard waste

• Petroleum products or plastics

• Rubber or treated wood

• Materials that produce heavy smoke

• Anything banned under the Environmental Protection Act

Violations may result in a $150 fine, permit cancellation, and full responsibility for firefighting costs. You can view our Open Air Burning Bylaw.

Burn Ban Notifications

If a burn ban is issued, the Township updates all channels to reflect the current status.

Check first at ec.burnpermits.com.

When you call the automated permit line at 613-704-2699 to activate your permit, the system will tell you if a ban is in place.

You can also:

• Follow us on social media for real-time updates.
• Subscribe to news on our website to receive updates in your inbox.

Recreational Campfires 

Campfire rules:

• Maximum size: 60 cm in height, width and length

• Must be in a non-combustible, metal or concrete, ring or pit (15 cm high, 60 cm diameter)

• Minimum 6 metres from buildings, property lines, trees, fences, utility lines or flammable items

• Supervise the fire at all times

• Burn only when conditions are safe—no fog, rain, or high wind

• Be respectful of neighbours—smoke must not cause discomfort

• You must activate your burn permit before lighting.

The only type of open air burning allowed in urban or village areas of Cardinal, Johnstown, Spencerville, and New Wexford us campfires but only for cooking or recreation.

Brush Pile Fires and Burn Barrels

These are not allowed in urban or village areas.

Outside of urban areas, you may use a burn barrel or have a brush pile fire if:

• The pile does not exceed 36 cubic metres

• It contains only wood, limbs or yard waste

• It is supervised at all times

• There is at least 15 metres of clearance in every direction any structure, wooded area, property line, flammable material, hydro or telephone line or service

• Burning happens between dawn and dusk

You must activate your burn permit before lighting.

Agricultural Fires

Agricultural burning is not permitted in urban or village areas.

Outside of urban areas, you can burn as part of normal farming practices. Requirements:

• Fire size: no more than 125 cubic metres

• Must be supervised during the free-burning stage

• Must be 50 metres from buildings, roads, utility lines, and flammable materials

• Must be 20 metres from wooded areas and property lines

• Burn only wood, limbs, and branches used in land clearing as part of farming practice

Learn More

Read the full Open Air Burning Bylaw.  
Questions? Contact the Fire Department.