Fire Inspection Services

Burn Permits

Open burning is strictly prohibited unless a burn permit is obtained. Regulations and conditions regarding setting of fires include:

No fire shall be lighted or started until the local fire station is notified of your intention. No calls before 7 a.m.
No fire shall be lighted or started within a radius of 30 metres (100 ft) of any buildings, dry grass, grain field or wood lot.
No fire shall be lighted or started when the wind velocity exceeds 16km (10 miles per hour).
No fire shall be lighted or started prior to 8:00 AM and after 6:00 PM on any day.
The fire shall be supervised at all times by an adult (18 years or older).
The fire shall be kept small and controllable with the extinguishing agent present at location at all times.
Burn materials include wood and paper products only. No tires, asphalt shingles, pesticides or containers, electrical wire coatings or any plastic products that violate Ministry of the Environment regulations.
The holder of the permit shall be fully responsible for all damages caused by the fire.

Click here for the Application to Light Fires in the Township of Woolwich.

For more information refer to By-law #72-2001 or contact the Fire Department at 519-664-2887. Fire permits are available from the St. Jacobs Fire Station between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. between Monday and Friday.

Always supervise children and pets around your camp site or open fire.

Fire Reports

Fire reports may be requested in writing by the property owner, lawyer or insurance company representing the property owner.

Third Party requests are handled by following the guidelines of the "Freedom of Information Act". Contact the Council and Information Services Department at 519-669-6009.

There is a cost for fire reports see By-law 105-2004 Schedule A for fee structure.

Inspections

Inspections of properties occur throughout the year. In addition, they are also conducted by request or where a threat to life may be of concern.

The Chief Fire Prevention Officer reviews blueprint drawings and carries out site inspections of new construction involving fire safety equipment required by the Ontario Building Code. The inspector also conducts regular fire safety inspections of all types of occupancies defined by the Ontario Building Code. Annual inspections include apartment buildings, restaurants, gas and service stations, township buildings, schools and daycare centers, industrial and mercantile sites, retirement homes and local industries. The inspector responds to citizen complaints regarding fire safety concerns and is active in public education.