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Public Service Announcement
Planning a Fire? Know the New Burn Permit Rules
January 27, 2026 – Iqaluit, Nunavut
The City of Iqaluit would like to inform residents of important updates to the process for obtaining burn permits, in accordance with Iqaluit Bylaw 324.
Beginning this year, residents and businesses will be required to submit only one burn permit application per calendar year. There are two types of permits available, depending on the size and purpose of the burn.
Most residential users will require a Recreational Permit, which allows for a burn pile up to one cubic metre in size. This is roughly the size of a standard household washing machine or a small kitchen table. Those planning larger burns, such as for commercial or industrial purposes, must apply for a Commercial or Industrial Permit. This type of permit allows for burn piles up to 27 cubic metres, which is approximately the size of a small cargo van filled with material.
All individuals conducting open-air burns under a permit must contact Dispatch both before and after their burn. Activating and deactivating a permitted burn through Dispatch ensures that the Iqaluit Fire Department is aware of the burn while it is ongoing and can confirm when it has ended. This helps prevent unnecessary emergency responses and improves public safety. To notify Dispatch, residents must call 867-979-5650.
There are some exceptions where a burn permit is not required. Supervised burns of up to one cubic metre may take place without a permit at Apex Rotary Club Park, Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park (Road to Nowhere), and Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park. A permit is also not needed for fires lit in commercially manufactured appliances that meet applicable Canadian Standards Association (CSA) codes. This includes appliances such as barbecues, smokers, gas fire pits, propane heaters, and similar equipment. Fires used exclusively for cooking are also exempt from the permit requirement. In addition, traditional fires, such as qulliqs, may be used without a permit.
Regardless of permit status, it is important to remember that only clean fuels may be used in all fires. The burning of household garbage, plastic, rubber, or any materials known to be harmful to the environment is strictly prohibited.
Failure to comply with the burn permit process, including not obtaining a permit when required, failing to activate or deactivate a burn, or burning prohibited materials, may result in fines or other enforcement measures under Bylaw 324.
Burn permits can be obtained at the Iqaluit Fire Hall during regular business hours or online at the City’s Emergency Services page: https://iqaluit.ca/departments/emergency-services-0.
The City thanks all residents for helping to keep our community safe and respectful of the land by following these updated burn permit guidelines.
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For additional information, please contact:
City of Iqaluit Dispatch
867-979-5650
