Burning Regulations

Burning Regulations

The following is a summation of Bylaw #4457 as it pertains to outdoor burning...

No outdoor fires shall be permitted between April 15th and October 15th. The Fire Chief may, by special permit, allow the burning of wastes from construction, demolition, or land clearing.

Outdoor burning is permitted without a fire permit between October 15th and April 15th, with application of the following regulations:

* Open air burning is restricted to hand-piled fires only.
* Burning in incinerators or barrels is not permitted.
* Fires must be not more than one meter (3 feet) in diameter.
* A competent person must supervise the fire at all times.
* Burning must take place at least 3 meters (10 feet) from any grass, shrubbery, wooden fence, or other combustible material.
* Burning must take place at least 6 meters (20 feet) from any building.
* Burning must be done during daylight hours only.
* People are liable for damage caused by fires that escape from the point of origin.

To prevent the release of dangerous toxins, the following materials must not be burned:

* Leaves, wet moss, grass cuttings, or other vegetable materials
* Rubber, including tires
* Plastics
* Roofing materials, including asphalt and asphalt products
* Domestic waste (household material and foodwaste not including newspaper and cardboard)
* Biomedical waste
* Insulation
* Drywall
* Materials treated with creosote
* Flammable liquids and/or fuel and lubricant containers
* Paint and paint products
* Other materials which produce toxic or noxious products of combustion

Smoke from your fire can inadvertently affect others in your neighborhood.
Please share a good neighbour approach while burning.

If you have any questions on the above burning regulations call the local fire department at (250) 724 - 1351 prior to the commencement of burning.

The Fire Department has the right to enter any premises to examine and extinguish a fire that is in violation of Bylaw #4457. Any person found in violation of this bylaw may be liable to a fine for each offense not exceeding two thousand ($2000.00) dollars or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.

All outdoor fires must conform to the Environmental Management Act (Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation). For more information please contact the Ministry of Environment at 250-751-3100 

Outdoor Burning Regulations Printable PDF