December 16, 2022
Residents are reminded that their 2022 burn permits will expire at 11:59 pm on Saturday, December 31.
Burn permits for the 2023 calendar year are available for purchase online for $25 and are valid beginning on January 1, 2023.
By-law 77-2021 regulates all open air burning in Prince Edward County including the size of the fire, safe clearance distances, and the types of materials that are permitted for burning. All open-air fires require a permit, including residential camp fires. It is important to understand the restrictions of the by-law and the permit as unlawful burning may result in fines or other enforcement.
To obtain a burn permit:
Property owners can go to pec.burnpermits.com to sign up for an account and then purchase a burn permit. Once they have purchased a burn permit online, they can download it immediately at home.
A video tutorial will help guide property owners through the process of setting up an account. Purchasers are reminded to select the 2023 burn permit option, and that a PayPal account is not required to complete the online purchase (select “pay as guest.”)
Property owners who cannot make a purchase online can do so at Fire Station 1 (8 McDonald Drive, Picton). Burn permits are also available to purchase through the public libraries or County customer service located at the Edward Building (280 Main Street, Picton).
To activate a burn permit
To activate your burn permit, call 1.833.376.1011 or activate the permit online at pec.burnpermits.com. Your burn permit number is located on the top right of your permit document, and can also be viewed in your online account.
Individuals with multiple properties
Individuals who own multiple properties in Prince Edward County only need to buy one burn permit. When those property owners create a burn permit account using the online system, they will have the option of adding up to 10 property addresses to their account before purchasing the permit. When they go online or call to activate their permit, they must indicate the property where the burn will take place.
Short-term accommodation owners / operators
Short-term accommodation (STA) owners / operators are responsible for obtaining a STA burn permit for each of their properties and explaining the permit system to their guests. A copy of the burn permit along with instructions for activating the permit must be posted in all STAs. Guests must activate the burn permit before every fire.
Owners of multiple STAs must purchase individual STA burn permits for each property.
Important burn reminders
To have a fire in Prince Edward County, you must hold a current permit and activate it every day that you are burning. The types of fires permitted under the municipal by-law include brush piles, burn barrels, outdoor fireplaces/chimineas, and campfires.
Tip
You do not require a burn permit for an outdoor furnace (to heat a building) or a natural gas or propane fueled fire pit. All natural and propane fuel-fired appliances are not subject to the By-law and may be used year-round and during a burn ban.
To check the burn status in Prince Edward County, visit www.thecounty.ca, pec.burnpermits.com or call 613.476.2345.
For more information or if you require assistance setting up your account using the new burn permit system, email fire@pecounty.on.ca or call 613.476.2345.