Should Ontario Update Its Wildland Fire Rules and Penalties?

Official title: Regulations to establish a framework for administrative monetary penalties; the rates, terms and conditions for when the ministry summons equipment and operators to support wildland fire emergencies; and changes to the Outdoor Fires Regulation(source: Environmental Registry)

Closed Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Ontario wants to create new rules under the Wildland Fire Management Act. The changes would let the ministry issue fines without going to court, set standard rates when the government needs to borrow private equipment during fire emergencies, and update outdoor burning rules. Indigenous ceremonial burning would face fewer permit requirements.

Why This Matters

Live in northern or rural Ontario? These rules affect how fires are managed near your community. If you own heavy equipment, the government could summon it during fire emergencies—these rules set what you'd be paid. Indigenous communities would see easier access to ceremonial burning.

What Could Change

The ministry could issue fines directly instead of going through courts. Equipment owners would get standard MTO rental rates when their machinery is summoned for fires. Forest industry slash pile burning would have fewer requirements. Indigenous ceremonial burning during fire season would need fewer permits.

Key Issues

  • Should the ministry be able to issue fines without going to court?
  • Are the proposed equipment rental rates fair for owners whose machinery is summoned?
  • Should Indigenous ceremonial burning have fewer permit requirements?
  • Should forest industry slash pile burning face reduced requirements?

How to Participate

  1. Visit this consultation page to review the proposal details and submit your comments.