Updated Friday October 3, 2025:
Category 2 fires are allowed without a permit until further notice. Please observe regulations provided in the bylaw:
https://www.crd.ca/media/file/bylawno4489-fire-regulation-bylaw-no-2-2022
Category 3 open burns always require a permit
Environment Canada Smoke Control Forecast / Venting Index
Open Air Fires
The permit holder must ensure that all small brush piles are kept a minimum distance of 5 m (15 feet) from standing vegetation and fences and 10m (30 feet) from any structure. The Permit holder must have a water source at the site and it must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times during burning. Hand Piled Open fires are meant for burning waste materials:(paper, cardboard, lumber, brush, slash, trees, or other woody debris), not exceeding 2 meters (6 ft) in height and 1.5 meters (5 ft) in diameter.
Remember these points when burning:
- Burn only during safe conditions… no wind and after the rain has fallen is best
- Stay with the fire until it is completely out
- Always have a garden hose available to prevent the fire from spreading
- Avoid burning near buildings, trees or tall grass
- Keep fires small and under control
- Recycle and re-use applicable materials before burning
- Check the Fire Hall Fire Hazard Board for updates on the local forest fire hazard
- Remember to get a permit before you burn
Prohibited Burning Materials
| Tires | Plastics | Drywall |
| Demolition waste | Domestic waste | Paint |
| Treated lumber | Asphalt products | Rubber |
| Fuel/Lubricant containers | Biomedical waste | Tar paper |
Additional Burning Information Resources
BC Government – Ministry of Forests:
- Forest Fire Prevention and Suppression Regulation
- Fire Danger Ratings
- New Rules for Burning in BC
- Wildfire News
Permits – submit the form below to apply.
- Category 3 – piles larger than two meters in diameter and one meter in height and any land clearing debris.
- Category 2 – burning debris in piles equal to or less than two meters in diameter and one meter in height.
- Category 1 – includes domestic incinerators, beach fires, and campfires.