Starting Friday October 2, 2026 at 12pm noon- the Category 2 & 3 Open Fire Prohibition is Rescinded.
If you plan on burning over the weekend, make sure to get your permits into to the Fire Chief before 4pm on Thursday October 1st. For burn permits after the weekend please submit your permit with an expected processing time of 2-3 business days.
Burning Permits
- Requirement for all Category 2 and Category 3 Open Fires between October 1st until of May 15th of any year.
- backyard burning of garbage and other “prohibited materials” is not allowed under provincial law, except with specific authorization. Air pollution from burning of waste contains toxic pollutants, can generate plumes of smoke which are unsightly and/or a public safety concern, can generate odors, and can result in public complaints to R.A.P.P.
RESIDENTIAL AND OPEN BURNING REGULATIONS
Category 2 Open Fire (Residential/ Garden Refuse)
- pile does not exceed 2m in height and 3m in width
- any fire must be supervised until completely extinguished
Category 3 Open Fire (Industrial, Commercial, Lot Clearing)
Anyone who lights, fuels or makes use of a Category 3 open fire must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Before lighting a Category 3 fire, review “A Guide to the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation” (particularly the information about prohibited materials). The Environmental Management Act requires individuals to check local venting conditions prior to lighting a Category 3 open fire, to ensure that local conditions are suitable for burning. The venting index or ventilation index is updated daily.
- burns material in one or more piles, with each pile exceeding two metres in height or three metres in width;
- check that there are no prohibitions or other restrictions in place for doing so;
- the person lighting the fire is entirely responsible and must take all precautions to burn safely and must ensure that the fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch;
- Burn registration number required, obtained from the Province of BC by calling 1 888 797-1717.
Burning Permits are free of charge. To obtain one, call 250.674.1278 and have your details ready, purpose of the burn and ideal day and time and the Fire Chief will arrange a time to inspect the site and issue the burning permit. Please allow some time for this process. You may also download the form and email it completed to firechief@docbc.ca.