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Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices
Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada
A Chatham-Kent campfire or open pit needs a Recreational Campfire Permit unless it meets the municipality’s approved-device rules. Small compliant fires in approved devices do not need that permit.
Key information
A Chatham-Kent campfire or open pit needs a Recreational Campfire Permit unless it meets the municipality’s approved-device rules. Small compliant fires in approved devices do not need that permit.
On this page
What qualifies as an approved device
The device must be pottery, metal or masonry with a firebox no more than 60 cm or 24 inches in diameter. It needs the enclosed-hearth arrangement and a top covered with 6 mm mesh described in the Open Burn Bylaw.
An approved device must not be on or near a combustible surface and must provide an effective barrier against spreading fire. Keep flames and embers controlled. A store-bought fire pit is not automatically compliant just because it is portable.
Sources: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Fuel and non-approved pits
Only clean dry wood, charcoal or briquettes are allowed in an approved device. Non-approved devices include campfires, open pits and fire rings and need the Recreational Campfire Permit.
The permit fee is in the current fee schedule, not printed in the source body. This guide does not invent a price. Agricultural open-air burns use a different permit even when the owner also has a campfire permit.
Sources: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Application and delivery
Download the application or obtain one at a Municipal Service Centre. Mail application and payment without cash to Customer Service, 315 King Street West, PO Box 640, Chatham ON N7M 5K8; the permit is mailed back.
For email submission, send the scanned application to ckinfo@chatham-kent.ca. Staff phones for payment and emails the permit. In person, the page lists cash, cheque, debit or credit, with the permit later mailed. Submit the form and fee rather than assuming payment alone authorizes use.
Sources: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Non-approved pit or campfire | Recreational Campfire Permit required |
| Approved-device firebox | No more than 60 cm / 24 inches diameter |
| Top screen | 6 mm mesh as specified by the bylaw |
| Allowed fuel | Clean dry wood, charcoal or briquettes |
| Email route | ckinfo@chatham-kent.ca; staff calls for payment |
| Fee | Current fee schedule; not reproduced in source body |
Sources: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Steps to follow
- Classify
Compare the actual device with every approved-device condition.
- Apply if needed
Use the Recreational Campfire application and current fee.
- Operate responsibly
Use allowed fuel and prevent fire spread under the bylaw.
Sources: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Questions and answers
Does every small fire automatically need a permit?
No. A small compliant fire in an approved device does not.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Does an open campfire need permission?
Yes, through the Recreational Campfire Permit.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
What materials can the approved device be made from?
Pottery, metal or masonry.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
What is its maximum firebox diameter?
60 cm or 24 inches.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
What top mesh is specified?
6 mm, or quarter-inch, mesh.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Can the device sit on a combustible surface?
No.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
What fuel does the approved-device rule allow?
Clean dry wood, charcoal or briquettes.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Is the recreational permit fee printed in this source body?
No. It points to the current fee schedule.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
How is an emailed application paid?
Customer Service calls for phone payment, then emails the permit.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information
Can I mail cash with the application?
No. The source specifically says not to mail cash.
Source: Official Chatham-Kent campfire permits and approved burning devices information