Burning Regulations and Permits
Current Fire Ban Status
Category 1 (camp fires), Category 2 (open fires) and Category 3 (open fires) are currently permitted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre. The Coastal Fire Centre includes the Lower Mainland, Sea-to-Sky, Vancouver Island, Central Coast and Haida Gwaii areas of B.C. Source: Coastal Fire Centre - Oct. 9, 2025.
Learn more: BC Wildfire Service Fire Ban Details.
Ventilation Index - Know Before You Burn
The Ventilation Index is a daily forecast that helps determine whether smoke from open burning will disperse safely or linger and impact air quality. It’s a key tool used across British Columbia to protect public health and ensure responsible burning practices.
What is it?
The index combines two factors:
- Mixing Height – how high smoke can rise
- Transport Wind Speed – how fast smoke can be carried away
These values are used to calculate a score:
- 0–33: Poor – Burning not recommended
- 34–54: Fair – Burning may be restricted
- 55–100: Good – Burning permitted under regulation
Why it matters in the RDN
Before burning, residents must check the Ventilation Index for their zone (Northern or Southern Vancouver Island). A “Good” rating is typically required for open burning to proceed legally and safely. This ensures smoke disperses properly, visibility and air quality are protected, compliance with the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.
How to use it
Use the RDN Ventilation Index widget above to view today’s forecast. If the index is not “Good,” delay your burn and check again tomorrow.
Know Your RDN Fire Protection Area
Use the RDN Fire Protection Areas interactive map to:
- Identify your local Fire Protection Area
- Identify the fire department responsible for your local Fire Protection Area
- Identify low, medium and high smoke sensitivity zones
- Use map layers to also see your RDN Electoral Area, watercourses, water bodies etc.
Local Bylaws and Restrictions
General Rules
- Backyard burning is prohibited when a Coastal Fire Centre ban is in effect.
- Always check venting before burning.
- Be aware of fire prohibitions and restrictions and smoke control - open burning guidelines.
Area-Specific Regulations
Dashwood, Coombs-Hilliers, Errington, Nanoose, Cranberry, Cassidy/Waterloo
- Governed by provincial legislation.
- No backyard burning during fire bans.
- Check the BC venting index before you burn.
- Be aware of the different open burning categories and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations in your area.
Bow Horn Bay
Regulated by Bylaw 1402: Fire prevention and regulation in Bow Horn Bay Fire Protection Area.
French Creek and Parksville Local Service Areas
- Regulated by Bylaw 920 (view French Creek fire map) and Bylaw 922 (view Parksville fire map)
- Backyard burning permitted:
- Feb. 15–Apr. 15 and Oct. 15–Dec. 15
- Max. pile size: 2 sq. metres
- Only garden waste from the same parcel
- No noxious materials
- Check the BC venting index before you burn.
- Construction/clearing waste fires: Not permitted.
- Agricultural clearing: Requires permit from local fire department.
Extension Fire Protection Area
- Regulated by Bylaw 1028 (view Extension fire map)
- Permit required for backyard burning Apr. 1–Oct. 31: T: 250 754-3235
- Cooking/incinerator fires: Not permitted when Forest Danger Rating Sign reads as ‘early shift’ or ‘extreme’ danger rating.
- Large/agricultural fires: Require permit from local fire department.
Deep Bay Improvement District
Permit required for open burning Apr. 15–Oct. 15. T 250-757-2030
East Wellington (Mountain Fire Protection District)
Permit required: T: 250-585-2931
Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department
- Permit required for fires >½ cubic metre.
- Inspection required before permit issuance.
- Permits issued Mon.–Thurs., 9 A.M.–4 P.M. T: 250-247-9677
North Cedar Improvement District
Municipal Burning Regulation / Bylaws
• City of Nanaimo. T: 250-754-425. www.nanaimo.ca
• City of Parksville. T: 250-248-6144. www.parksville.ca
• District of Lantzville. T: 250-390-4006. www.lantzville.ca
• Town of Qualicum Beach. T: 250-752-6921. www.qualicumbeach.com
Provincial Regulations
Burning in BC is governed by:
- Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (last amended Mar. 2022)
- Wildfire Regulation (last amended Apr. 2023)
- Wildfire Act (SBC 2004, Chapter 31)
BC categorizes burning into:
- Category 1: Campfires (Brochure. Poster)
- Category 2: Small open fires (Brochure. Poster)
- Category 3: Large open fires (requires registration) (Poster)
- Category 4: Prescribed/resource management fires (Prescribed Fire)
Prohibited Materials: Certain items cannot be burned.
- Prohibited Materials Burning Factsheet
- Wildfire prevention resources
- To report violations, call RAPP: 1-877-952-7277 or report online.
Air Quality & Health
Smoke exposure can be hazardous. Learn more:
• WorkSafeBC Wildfire Smoke FAQ
• Island Health Wildfire Smoke Info.
• BC Centre for Disease Control: Wildfire Smoke & Your Health