The Town's Fireworks By-law sets out rules and regulations regarding the use fireworks.  Currently there are 4 specific holidays in which fireworks are allow:

• Victoria Day (May 24th)
• Canada Day (July 1st)
• US Independence Day (July 4th)
• New Years Eve (Dec 31st)

The Fire Department will consider other community/private events which propose the display fireworks on an individual application bases, the the submission of a Fireworks Permit Application. 

A Fireworks Permit is required before residents can light fireworks within the limit of the Town of Smiths Falls. The cost of a permit is $75 for the first year, $50 for subsequent years and $25 if concurrent with a business licence.

Burn Permits (or Open Air Fire Permits) are regulated by the Open Air Fire By-law. Open Air fires and Outdoor fireplaces are not allowed in the fire zone 1, zone 2, or fire zone 3 unless approved by the Fire Chief. 

• A permit is required in order to light a fire on private property; this includes having a backyard fire or using a large fire pit.
• A permit is not necessary for outdoor natural gas, propane or ethanol fireplaces.
• If a device is designed and intended solely for the cooking of food in the open air, it does not require an open air fire permit, provided it does not burn wood, tree limbs, branches and non-compostable material limited to paper and sisal twine.
• Approved cooking appliances include gas, charcoal or propane BBQ/hibachis or gas or propane outdoor fireplace and must be ULC approved. View our Outdoor Fireplace Guidelines.
• An Open air and Outdoor Fireplace permit is valid for the calendar year. A permit for an outdoor fireplace must be renew on an annual basis.

What is the cost of a permit?

• $25 (tax included) for an Outdoor Fire Place and Open Air Annual Permit
• $10 (tax included) for a Renewal of an Open Air Fire Permit Fees
• $25 (tax included) for a Specific Event Permit

Fire Zones

Special Events

Specific Event Permits can only be obtained at the Fire Prevention Division, given the requirement for a site inspection by Smiths Falls Fire Department staff prior to permit issuance. A specific event permit allows open air fires that are normally not allowed in designated no burn areas.

Only a community not-for-profit organization or a religious institution may apply for an open-air fire permit to conduct campfires or open-air fires in an outdoor fireplace for cultural, religious or recreational specific events.

Why are fires prohibited in some areas?

It is unsafe to set and maintain open air fires in certain areas of the town. Population density and average lot size criteria were considered in the determination of the areas in which open air fires are permitted. Smiths Falls Fire Department does not approve of open air burning in urban areas or near buildings. Therefore, outdoor fireplaces are not permitted in urban areas.

Are all fireplaces created equal?

No. Fireplaces (heavy metal or masonry) are designed to be used outdoors rather than indoors and limit the heat and sparks through their design. 

What is a fire ban and why can't I burn when in effect?

A fire ban, which is declared by the Fire Chief or his designate and is based largely on environmental conditions, is a period of time during which no one may set or maintain any open air fire anywhere within the town limits for reasons related to public safety and protection of property.

The Town of Smiths Falls Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm System By-law promotes the responsible use of alarm systems by both companies and individuals. The Bylaw:

• Reduces the number of false alarms that the Fire Department attend.
• Requires all alarm system monitored by a monitoring service to have a valid alarm system permit.
• A permit application can be obtained online. The cost is $10 and must be paid annually. Each Fire and CO Alarm System is required to have the contact information of two key holders.