Can I have a backyard fire? Do I need a burn permit?
In the Regional municipality of Halifax, Nova Scotia, permit required: True; permit issuer: Fire Chief; allowed conditions: Permit required except in No Permit Required Zone, campgrounds, CSA/ULC appliances, gas/propane; not within 23 m of dwelling; no burning 12:01 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Mar 15-Oct 15); two persons 19+ present; fines: $250-$10,000. Source: By-law O-109 Respecting Open Air Burning, verified 2026-06-05.
By-law O-109 Respecting Open Air Burning
adopted bylaw
permit required
True
s. 4(1)
permit issuer
Fire Chief
s. 2(j); s. 5(1)
allowed conditions
Permit required except in No Permit Required Zone, campgrounds, CSA/ULC appliances, gas/propane; not within 23 m of dwelling; no burning 12:01 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Mar 15-Oct 15); two persons 19+ present
s. 4(2)-(3); s. 6(3); s. 6(5a); s. 6(2)
fine range
$250-$10,000
s. 12(1)
scout note
Regulates open-air burning across HRM. Prohibits burning waste, rubber, plastic; minimum setbacks and burn permits required. Done and passed in Council Oct 19, 2010 (effective Oct 23, 2010); amended 2014 and 2017.
By-law O-109 — dedicated page
Halifax.ca landing page for By-law O-109 with overview and links.