Fire Prevention & Burn Permits

The City of Cambridge Fire Department's Fire Prevention division consists of seven fire prevention specialists. The division works to reduce fire losses by providing enforcement services using various codes and standards, fire investigation services and public education.

Fire Prevention Services

The Fire Prevention division issues burn permits. The City of Cambridge requires you to have a burn permit for fires not used for cooking purposes within the city limits. When you submit a burn permit request, the division inspects the proposed fire area to ensure you meet all permit requirements, including:

  • A distance of at least 150 metres away from a building
  • Limit to the size of the fire
  • Necessary water supply
  • Proper supervision
  • What can and can't be burned
  • Burn Permit By-law #313-86 

Initial burn permit cost is $99.92 (tax exempt) and will expire within 30 days.

Renewal burn permits cost is $77.71 (tax exempt).

To apply for a burn permit please visit our portal.

For questions contact Fire Prevention at 519-621-6001 extension 2370. 

The Fire Prevention division helps homeowners, tenants or workers deal with fire-related problems in the buildings they own or occupy. Under the Ontario Fire Code, upgrades and maintenance to properties ensure exiting, containment, annunciation (alarms), suppression equipment and processes meet the required standards.

To ensure buildings in Cambridge meet the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code, the Fire Prevention division completes inspections based on risk.

Remember that having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are the law!

To request an inspection please visit our portal.

Usually associated with a property sale, a file search inspection costs $208.26 ($184.30 + $23.96 HST).

If the fire search is required within 5 business days, an additional expedited fee of $244.09 ($216.01 + $28.08 HST) is required. Cambridge Fire will make every effort to expedite the request but cannot guarantee within the timeframe.

To request a file search please visit our portal.

Unfortunately, even with the proper safety precautions fires can still occur in the City. The Fire Prevention Division assists or assumes the lead role in determining the origin and cause of:

  • Fires of unusual nature
  • Arson
  • Explosions
  • Fatalities
  • Fires with unclear origin

Our staff has specialized training in the science of fire investigation which they use to determine the cause of the fire. If necessary, we also help Waterloo Regional Police build strong legal cases in instances of intentionally set fires.

A copy of the official Fire Report or Fire Incident Report costs $87.83 ($77.72 + $10.11 HST).

To request a report please visit our portal.

For all new liquor / Cannabis licenses in the City of Cambridge, it is important that the establishments are in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. 

Liquor / Cannabis license 

Inspection costs $184.30 (tax exempt). 

If a Liquor / Cannabis license is required within 5 business days, an additional expedited fee is $216.01 (tax exempt) is required. Cambridge Fire will make every effort to expedite the request but cannot guarantee within the timeframe.

Business License 

Inspection Cost $184.30 (tax exempt).

If a Business License is required within 5 business days, an additional expedited fee is $216.01 (tax exempt) is required.

We inspect new businesses requiring a City of Cambridge business license to ensure they meet fire code standards. We also gather information about the business owner(s), building owner(s) and any unusual hazards that we may encounter if we respond to a fire or an emergency at the business location. All of this information is stored in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for quick and easy access during an emergency.

To request a license please visit our portal.

The Fire Prevention Division operates the Youth Arson Prevention Program (YAPP) for children.
  • The program’s first phase involves a home visit with the child and family following a fire‑setting incident.
  • The second phase includes an assessment provided by a mental health professional.
  • The third phase includes a visit to the fire station to reinforce safe fire practices in the home.

Contact the fire prevention division at 519-621-6001 extension 2370 or register for the YAPP please visit our portal.

It is important that our division provides input on building plans before construction begins to ensure the Cambridge Fire department can provide the best possible response to a fire or emergency at that location.

The Fire Prevention division reviews site plans of proposed commercial and larger multi-unit residential buildings, and comments on new subdivisions layouts to ensure requirements are met for the following:

  • Proper fire department access
  • Hydrant locations
  • Standpipe, hose and sprinkler system fire truck connections

The fire department also helps issue special occasion permits by ensuring that buildings being used for an event are:

  • Fire safe
  • An appropriate occupant load
  • Tents have proper flame-retardant materials
  • Tents have correct certificates

Special occasion permits cost $110.39 ($97.69 + $12.70 HST).

To apply for a special occasion permit please visit our portal.

Food truck owners requiring a fire inspection for their business license are invited to attend the Food Truck Inspection Rodeo on April 7 or April 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Cambridge Fire Department Station 1, 1625 Bishop St. N, Cambridge, ON N1R 7J4.

Owners must book their inspection through the online portal at permits.cambridge.ca, pay their invoice prior to their selected inspection date, and note in the comment section which date they will be attending.

Upload your valid certificates and reports or bring them with you to the inspection.

Inspection fee: $77.71 + HST = $87.82