Fire Permits & Applications
To obtain a permit related to fire safety, you need to apply. You will find information and application forms for different types of permits below:
- Family Fireworks
Family fireworks may only be set off on private property and with the homeowner’s consent.
Fireworks are not allowed on City property. This includes parks, fields and roads.
Permits are not required the day before Victoria Day and on Victoria Day, and the day before Canada Day and on Canada Day. You will need a permit to set off fireworks on all other days. Under the Provincial Offences Act, violators may be fined up to $5,000.
Applications for Family Fireworks Permits must be made online at least seven days before the planned event date.
The cost of Family Fireworks Permits can be found under Fees By-Law 2002-276
Types of Fireworks
You may only burn “Family Fireworks” in the city, with a permit.
- Acceptable Family Fireworks
- Showers
- Fountains
- Sparklers
- Pinwheels
- Roman candles
- Similar devices
- Unacceptable Fireworks
- Cherry bombs
- Flash crackers
- Firecrackers
- Throw-down torpedoes
- Step-on torpedoes
- Smoke bombs
- Table rockets
- Similar devices
How To Safely Use Fireworks
If you set off family fireworks, you must:
- Have a fully operational fire extinguisher ready for use.
- Use fireworks that have been approved for sale or use in Canada.
- Secure the fireworks in a stable base, like a bucket of sand. Before they are lit, fireworks should be buried at least half their length in the bucket of sand.
- Use a safe lighter. This could be a butane BBQ lighter or ignition stick.
- Light the fireworks at arm’s length, stand back and keep your face turned away. If a firework fails to light, do not attempt to re-light it. Let it sit in the base for 10 to 15 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Never throw or point fireworks at people.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never discharge fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- Never discharge fireworks or use sparklers indoors.
- Always be aware of your surroundings when using fireworks.
- Only responsible adults should supervise and set off fireworks.
- Keep spectators (including children) a safe distance away from the fireworks display. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to know how far away spectators should be so everyone stays safe
- If you are hosting your own backyard fireworks display, make sure you have the proper sized yard and that there are no buildings or trees nearby.
- Dispose of defective fireworks according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dispose of fireworks according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or soak them in water overnight.
- Never leave fireworks unattended.
How to Properly Dispose of Fireworks
- Improper disposal of fireworks can cause fires. Never put used or unused fireworks in the Blue Bin.
- Before disposing of used or unused fireworks, soak them in water overnight and put them in your household garbage once they have cooled.
- Acceptable Family Fireworks
- Open Air Fires
You need to have a permit to burn an open fire in the city. You must also notify the Fire Department on the day that you burn. The permit fee's can be found under Fees By-Law 2002-276
Time Restrictions
The City of Markham allows open fires during specific dates and times.
Location Restrictions
Burning permits are not issued for locations South of 17th Avenue and West of 10th Line (Reesor Road). This is true even if the by-law conditions are met. In these locations:
- Recreational burning (corn roast, marshmallow roast, etc.) may be permitted if all by-law conditions are met.
- Burning construction/demolition materials is not permitted.
- Burning vegetation from the site (tree clippings, small shrubs, etc.) is permitted at the discretion of the Fire Prevention Officer.
- Chimneys, outdoor furnaces, etc. for recreational purposes is permitted if all by-law conditions are met.
Material Restrictions
Only these materials may be burned:
- Clean wood, brush, or vegetation
- Material cannot exceed 1.5 square metres in area
Precautions
You must have equipment and resources nearby:
- Rakes
- Shovels
- On-site water
- People to help control the fire
Contact Information
For more information, contact Markham Fire & Emergency Services at 905.415.7521
- Fire Route Application
Parking by-law 2005-188 requires an application form for a Fire Access Route. The processing fee can be found under Fees By-Law 2002-276.
How to Submit an Application
To apply for a Fire Access Route:
- Complete the Fire Access Route Application Form and make payment
- Provide a drawing of the site plan
- Submit these items to:
Markham Fire & Emergency Services
101 Town Centre Boulevard
Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3
What Happens Next
We will return a copy of the fire route plan to the property owner. We will also provide a list of sign suppliers and sign guidelines.
A final site inspection of the Fire Access Route construction and signage is required before sign-off and enforcement begins.
Application Materials
Download these application forms and information pieces:
Contact Information
For more information, contact Division Chief, George Macris at 905.477.7000 extension 5983 or email gmacris@markham.ca.
- Fire Code Inspection, File Search and Fire Report
The City of Markham is pleased to provide its residents and business owners to request Fire Code Inspections, File Searches and Fire Reports online. Applicants must provide the required information on the screens that follow, including applicant contact information, authorization for release and any other supporting documents.
- The fees for the individual services can be found under Fees By-Law 2002-276
- The fees for the individual services can be found under Fees By-Law 2002-276
- Fire Safety Plans
Most buildings require a fire safety plan. It is Ontario law (Ontario Fire Code Division B, Section 2.8).
A fire safety plan helps protect residents from fire. It ensures that safety systems, equipment, and procedures are ready for use. The plan is unique to each building. Plans should be reviewed when there are changes in the use or features of the building.
If your building is larger or complex, you should hire a consultant to help you prepare the fire safety plan.
Submit Drawings
You will need to send us a fire safety plan, a site plan, and a floor plan. You can send these in two ways:
- Email to gmacris@markham.ca
- Mail (8.5 by 11 inches format) to Division Chief, George Macris
Remember:
- Include the building address for the plans
- Include your contact information
- Name all of your files with the street address of the business. For example: “101 Town Centre Blvd.doc”, “101 Town Centre Blvd Site Plan.tif”, “101 Town Centre Blvd Floor Plan.jpg”.
Contact Information
George Macris, Division Chief
Fire Prevention Division
Markham Fire & Emergency Services
905.477.7000 extension 5983
gmacris@markham.ca- Information on Adding a New Second Dwelling Unit to an Existing House
Residents interested in information on Adding a New Second Dwelling Unit to an Existing House may find it here: http://www.ontario.ca/page/add-second-unit-your-house
For additional information on zoning or permit requirements, contact the Contact Centre at 905.477.5530 and request the desired Department.