Domestic backyard burning permits now available online
As part of the provincial government’s COVID-19 adaptation efforts, Island property owners can now apply for domestic burning permits online rather than driving to the nearest Forests, Fish and Wildlife office.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Forests, Fish and Wildlife offices remain closed as part of COVID-19 public health measures so domestic burning permits have not been available to this point. Burning permits are required for all outdoor burning in PEI during fire season – March 15 to November 30. Islanders interested in applying for a burning permit online can visit Burning Permits.
“Islanders need to get a permit before burning materials such as fallen trees, branches, leaves and grass so they know how to burn safely, what their responsibilities are, and so we can keep local fire departments informed. Moving the application system online is more convenient for Islanders, and also allows us to support fire safety and protect Islanders as we continue to maintain public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Environment, Water and Climate Change Minister Natalie Jameson
A Burning Permit allows property owners to burn grasses, leaves, branches and other woody debris. Once a property owner has a permit and before they start an outdoor fire on their property, they still must:
- Ensure the Fire Weather Index in their fire region is Low and that wind speeds are less than 10 km/hr by checking the Fire Weather Index; and,
- Call to activate the permit each time before they start to burn.
All domestic open burning must be 50 feet from structures, while recreational campfires must be 25 feet from structures.
“Uncontrolled wildfires can be destructive to homes, cottages, forests, farm buildings, crops, livestock and of course people. Most wildfires in PEI result from burning old grasses, clearing land for development or equipment sparks,” said Mike Montigny, Field Services manager with the Forests, Fish and Wildlife division. “We want to work with Islanders to ensure they know how to follow safe outdoor burning practices.”
Forestry staff will review burning permit applications Monday through Friday during regular working hours. Applicants can expect a response within 48 hours. Burning permits are free to property owners living in areas where municipal fire or burning by-laws do not apply.
Media Contact:
Leanne Ritchie
Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change
902 314-0134
lpritchie@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)
Backgrounder:
To apply for a burning permit, the property owner will need the following information:
- Full name, home mailing address and contact information, including the appropriate personal email address (permit will be issued to that address).
- Property tax number (PID) or civic address of the burning location. Permits cannot be issued for outdoor burning within the boundaries of municipalities with existing bylaws. Visit Burning Permits for a complete list.
- Local fire brigade for burning area.
- Fire region for the burning area, refer to map below (Northeastern, Central Southeastern, Western).
- Type of debris being burned (branches, grass, leaves, tree parts or other).
Campfires are permitted unless there is a fire ban. Burning Permits are not required for small campfires used for cooking or warmth provided they are built in properly constructed campfire sites and the person starting the fire has the permission of the landowner.