Backyard fires and burn permit applications in Barrie

Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Barrie has separate permits for enclosed solid-fuel appliances and open-air burns. Permit approval does not override a fire ban.

Key information

Barrie has separate permits for enclosed solid-fuel appliances and open-air burns. Permit approval does not override a fire ban. Check the live fire rating before each fire, and obtain yearly written landlord permission if you are a tenant.

On this page

At a glance

Key facts checked on October 14, 2026.
TaskKey detail
Which outdoor burning permits does Barrie offer?The common permit covers an approved outdoor solid-fuel appliance.
How do I apply and pay?Apply through APLI or at Fire Station 1, 155 Dunlop Street West, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How does an open-air permit work?Open-air permits are uncommon because of their special requirements and are issued for a specific day.

Sources: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

In-person service location

Fire Station 1, Barrie Fire Headquarters

155 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, Ontario

The counter accepts outdoor solid-fuel appliance permit applications. The open-air permit is a separate route, so call first about that application.

Permit counter
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone
705-728-3199

Sources: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Sources: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Permit types, appliances and fees

Which outdoor burning permits does Barrie offer?

The common permit covers an approved outdoor solid-fuel appliance. Open-air permits cover unenclosed burns and have different conditions. The appliance permit lasts to December 31 of its issue year; an open-air permit is issued per day. Choose the correct type before applying.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

What appliance qualifies for the solid-fuel permit?

It must use clean, dry wood, be made of noncombustible material, be enclosed on all sides and have spark-arresting equipment on vents and chimneys. A gas or electric fireplace is not a solid-fuel appliance. Your installation must still meet the linked city bylaw requirements.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

What is the yearly appliance-permit fee?

The city lists $24 for the current calendar year. It expires December 31, even if bought later in the year. An old permit without a printed expiry is not an exemption; the page says everyone must obtain the annual permit.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Sources: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Applications, landlords and processing

How do I apply and pay?

Apply through APLI or at Fire Station 1, 155 Dunlop Street West, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The city accepts cash, debit, Mastercard or Visa. Contact FireSupport@barrie.ca or 705-728-3199 if help is needed.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

What must a tenant provide?

Written landlord consent must accompany the application every year. Use the owner authorization form or a letter clearly identifying the owner and tenant, their contact details and the property address. Phone calls and text messages are not accepted as the permission document.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

How long does processing take?

The usual period is three to five business days. During processing, emailed payment proof may stand in for the permit as described on the city page. This does not waive appliance requirements or a ban. Once processed, retrieve the permit through your city account.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Sources: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Gas appliances and changing fire restrictions

How does an open-air permit work?

Open-air permits are uncommon because of their special requirements and are issued for a specific day. The listed fee is $40.25 plus HST. They cannot be purchased through the online payment route; call 705-728-3199 for instructions before planning the burn.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Do propane fire tables need the wood-burning permit?

No. A propane fire table or pit does not burn solid fuel and therefore does not require that burn permit. It must still be used within applicable safety rules. Do not treat this distinction as permission to use a wood-burning appliance without its permit.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

What changes when the rating is high or extreme?

At High, an approved solid-fuel appliance may be used only for cooking with a permit, and open-air burning is prohibited. At Extreme, all burning, charcoal barbecues and fireworks are prohibited. Mechanical-shutoff cooking appliances have a separate stated exception and placement rules.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Where do I check whether a fire ban is active?

Use the current Burn Permits page before each fire. The city also issues a press release and posts a notice on Barrie Fire’s social channel when a ban takes effect. This guide records the permit process and cannot serve as a live fire-ban indicator.

Source: Burn Permits | City of Barrie

Sources: Burn Permits | City of Barrie