Outdoor Burning Regulations

Open fire prohibitions lifted in the Coastal Fire Centre

PARKSVILLE — The (Category 1) campfire prohibition and the Category 2 and Category 3 open fire prohibition will be lifted in the Coastal Fire Centre starting at 12:00 noon, Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), on Wednesday, September 27, 2022. This means that all open burning will once again be permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

For more information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/coastal-fire-centre-bans 


Outdoor Burning Regulations

Burning

General Information

Alternatives to Burning

Air quality and your health

Fire Protection and Open Burning Regulations Interactive Map

Not sure which Fire Protection Area you are in? Check the Fire Protection and Open Burning Regulations interactive map. Click on the map find which fire department provides fire protection and emergency response services in your fire services protection area. The online tool also provides useful links to burning bylaws, venting Index information and the Province’s website for the most up-to-date information on fire bans and restrictions.

RDN Burning Regulations

Bow Horn Bay, Dashwood, Coombs-Hilliers, Errington, Nanoose, Cranberry, Cassidy/Waterloo

Permits are not required for backyard burning, however, only burning of garden waste is permitted. Backyard burn piles should be no larger than 6 feet high by 9 feet across. No backyard burning is permitted if Ministry of Forests has a ban in place. Check Ministry of Forests website. Also please check the venting index before you burn and only start a burn if the index and forecast are good.

Large fires such as land clearing and agricultural fires require a reference number which can be obtained by calling the Ministry of Forests at 1-888-797-1717.

French Creek and Parksville Local Service Areas

Outdoor burning is regulated by:

Backyard burning of garden waste is permitted from February 15 to April 15 and October 15 to December 15. Backyard burn piles must not exceed 2 square metres in area and shall only be used to burn garden refuse originating on the parcel where the fire is located and no other material. The burning of noxious materials is prohibited.

Please check the venting index before you burn and only start a burn if the index and forecast are good.

Construction or clearing waste fires are not permitted at any time. Agricultural clearing waste fires may be started or maintained with a permit from the Fire Department having jurisdiction on the parcel where the fire is to take place.

Extension Fire Protection Area

Outdoor burning is regulated by: A permit is required for backyard burning between April 1 and October 31. Phone the Fire Department at 754-3235. Cooking and incinerator fires are not permitted when Forest Danger Rating Sign reads 'early shift' or 'extreme conditions'.

Large fires such as land clearing and agricultural waste fires require a permit from the Fire Department having jurisdiction on the parcel where the fire is to take place.

Deep Bay Improvement District

Fire permits are required for any open burning from April 15 - October 15. Please call the hall at 250-757-2030 for your permit.

East Wellington (Mountain Fire Protection District)

Permits are required for fires within the Mountain Fire Protection District. Contact the East Wellington Volunteer Fire Department at the following phone number: 250-585-2931.

 Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department 

All open burning with fires larger than 1/2 cubic meter require a permit from the GVFD.  All burn piles are subject to Inspection prior to issuance of a burn permit. Permits are only issued by the Fire Department from Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Please contact the Fire Department at 250-247-9677.

North Cedar Improvement District

Phone the Fire Department at 250-722-3711.