Fire Services
Algonquin Highlands Fire Services is dedicated to protecting life, property and the environment through education, prevention and emergency response.
Total Fire Ban in Effect
With dry conditions, high heat and a lack of precipitation in the forecast, effective at 9 a.m. on June 1, 2023, a total fire ban is in place within the Township of Algonquin Highlands, and throughout Haliburton County. This is a joint decision by the County’s four Chief Fire Officials.
The ban means no outdoor burning any time of day or night; no bonfires; no cooking fires; no fireworks; no lanterns, candles or Tiki torches; no chimineas; no fire tables; nor anything else that creates an open flame.
Propane or gas barbecues with a lid and shut-off valve may be used.
A friendly reminder that violating the ban can result in fines, and in Algonquin Highlands, paying the costs of deploying Algonquin Highlands Fire Services.
Outdoor Burning
The fire season is April 1st to October 31st. During this time period, daytime (7 am to 7 pm) burning of brush, grass, etc. is prohibited.
You may burn brush and leaves without a permit between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m (except when a burning ban is in place). If you wish to do this, you must meet the conditions listed below. Failure to meet these conditions could lead to fines and the costs for the Fire Department to attend and extinguish your fire.
The only exception to this regulation is a Daily Burn Permit for Open Air Fires for special daytime burning. Residents and/or Contractors may apply for this permit by completing a Daily Burn Permit for Open Air Fires application and delivering it to the Township Office.
If you build an incinerator to by-law specifications and follow the specified conditions of use, you may burn during the day. Check out How to Build a Safe Incinerator for instructions.
Conditions for night time burning:
- Only a single pile is burned at any one time.
- The pile is not more than 2 metres in diameter and less than 2 metres high.
- The fire is at least 3 metres from any flammable materials.
- You have adequate tools or water to contain the fire to the fire site.
- A responsible person tends the fire until it is extinguished.
Grass fires are prohibited.
If you are camping in Algonquin Highlands, please ensure that your campfire complies with the Open Air Burning By-law and is no bigger than 60 cm by 60 cm. Campfires must be extinguished completely at the end of the night and when leaving the campsite. Campfires established for cooking (using a grill) or for warmth do not require permits and the daytime restrictions do not apply.
If conditions become extreme, the MNR or the Township retains the authority to declare a Fire Ban on all fires including those for cooking and warmth.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Alarms are required for smoke and carbon monoxide on every storey and outside all sleeping areas, plus smoke alarms are required in every sleeping area.
Ontario's New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law and What It Means To You
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as ‘The Silent Killer’ because you can’t see it, taste it or smell it. The only way to detect the presence of the deadly gas is to install a carbon monoxide alarm.
On October 15, 2014, the Ontario Government formally enacted a new law - The Hawkins-Gignac Act - making carbon monoxide alarms mandatory in all Ontario homes at risk of CO. This revision to the Ontario Fire Code supersedes any existing municipal by-laws.
Check out this informative YouTube video or the printable PDF with CO Safety Tips to protect you and your family.
Interested in Joining Fire Services?
Do you have the fire within? Algonquin Highlands Fire Services is comprised of some 50 volunteer men and women who are trained to NFPA standards to serve our community. Firefighters are on-call and may be needed on a moment's notice. Firefighters receive monetary compensation for the services they provide.
If you would like to know more about the Fire Services, call 705-766-0010.
If you'd like to apply to be a volunteer firefighter, print and fill out an application form (found in the Document section below) and deliver it to the Township Office at 1123 North Shore Road. Your application should be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to the attention of the Fire Chief. Alternatively, you may scan your completed form and email it to the Chief.
Firefighters' Associations
All three stations have their own Firefighters’ Associations. These are social organizations that are not formally affiliated with township fire protection services. Association members hold events, raise money and contribute to the well-being of the community. The Township appreciates these groups and their ongoing donations of money and equipment.
Contact Information
Michael French
Fire Chief/CEMC
Office phone: 705-489-2379 Ext. 343
Email: mfrench@algonquinhighlands.ca
Documents
2022 Fire Department Services FeesAlgonquin Highlands Master Fire Plan 2012-2017
Ontario's New Carbon Monoxide Law and What It Means To You
Open Air Burning By-law 2019-31
Open Air Burning Permit Application
Volunteer Firefighter Application Form