Fire Hazard Rating

A low danger rating means fire can start easily and spread quickly, but there will be minimal involvement of deeper fuel layers or larger fuels. Open air burning is permitted by permit only.

A moderate danger rating means forest fuels and ground vegetation are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting. Open air burning is permitted by permit only.

A high danger rating means forest fuels and ground vegetation are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and may challenge fire suppression efforts. Open air burning is permitted by permit only.

An extreme danger rating means extremely dry forest fuel and ground vegetation. The fire risk is very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Open air burning is prohibited and permits are suspended.

Reminder: fireworks are not permitted during a fire ban, and are also only allowed during clear conditions on Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

The Township of Tiny Fire Department monitors weather conditions on a daily basis using information from Environment Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests including: 

• long range forecasting, 
• the amount of precipitation we’ve received and what is forecasted for the upcoming few days, 
• wind conditions to relative humidity and moisture levels in the ground.

However local conditions have a big influence on the final outcome. Staff also consults with neighbouring municipalities and typically when a fire ban is announced, there will usually be other municipalities also entering a fire ban. 

This is similar to the process used to implement a fire ban, but this decision is influenced by the amount of precipitation received throughout the township and what the forecasted conditions are in the near future. Sometimes one rainfall is not enough to reduce the fire risk adequately.

Open air burning is any fire set outside such as campfires, backyard fire pits, and the burning of brush and wood.

Yes, an outdoor propane or natural gas appliance which has a CSA or ULC Canadian safety certification (e.g. fire pit/ring, BBQ, heater) and designed for outdoor use is permitted, providing that the manufacturer’s recommendations are fully complied with.

No. Under By-law 21-102 fireworks are not allowed to be set off when a fire ban is in effect. 

As a reminder, fireworks are only permitted on Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Year’s Eve. and New Year’s Day in Tiny.

Learn more about fireworks on our Fireworks Use and By-law Page.

Yes. The use of a solid fuel BBQ is considered open air burning. Although the Township of Tiny’s Fire Department does not recommend it, they are permitted to be used during a fire ban but with extreme caution. Embers from a solid fuel BBQ, combined with dry and windy conditions can be exceptionally dangerous. Please note that using BBQs are not permitted on Township property.

No. Under Burning By-law 15-027, the ignition and release of flying lanterns is not permitted at any time within the Township of Tiny.

Provincial Parks have their own regulations dealing with open fires and park staff patrol and enforce their regulations based on the conditions in their area of jurisdiction. Where possible, the Provincial Parks implement a fire ban when there is one in place for Tiny.

Yes. There are several potential fines that you could receive for having a fire during a ban. 

If the Fire Department needs to respond to extinguish a fire that is conducted without a permit, during a fire ban, or in violation of your fire permit, the full costs of extinguishment (including labour and equipment costs and the cost of each responding vehicle) may be charged to the property owner and/or permit holder.