BURN PERMITS NOW ARE REQURED ALL YEAR AROUND

You can get permits online on this website or in person at Fire Hall #1 with the exception of Machine Pile Fire Category 3 permits that can be obtained only in person.

Failure to provide accurate information on permit application may result in a fine and the permit being revoked.

When the Fire Chief has implemented a ban there shall be no burning

CAMP FIRES Category 1

• For a camp fire the property owner must obtain the permit.
• A camp fire can not exceed 0.5 meters in height and 0.5 meters in width.
• It can not be withinwithin 7.5 metres of any building, structure, fence, property line.
• It can not be withinwithin 3 metres of any driftwood, dry vegetation, grass or any other combustible material.
• No burning of Domestic Waste (garbage), green debris or leaves.
• The area must be cleared of debris and anything combustible.
• Water or a shovel must be onsite.
• Must be attended at all times.
• Must be completely extinguished before leaving and cool to the touch.

BEACH FIRES Category 1

• For a beach fire the upland property owner must obtain the permit.
• A beach fire can not exceed 0.5 meters in height and 0.5 meters in width.
• It can not be withinwithin 7.5 metres of any building, structure, fence, property line.
• It can not be withinwithin 3 metres of any driftwood, dry vegetation, grass or any other combustible material.
• No burning of Domestic Waste (garbage), green debris or leaves.
• The area must be cleared of debris and anything combustible.
• Water or a shovel must be onsite.
• Must be attended at all times.
• Must be completely extinguished before leaving and cool to the touch.

BACKYARD BURN Category 2

• For a backyard fire the property owner must obtain the permit.
• A fire can not exceed 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width.
• It can not be within 10 metres of any building, structure, fence, tree or hedge.
• No burning of Domestic Waste (garbage), green debris or leaves.
• Burn no longer than 4 consecutive days, followed by 4 days of no burning. Each new fire must be in a different location to prevent fire from burning underground
• Do not add materials to the fire within 2 hours of sunset of each day of the fire.
• The area must be cleared of debris and anything combustible.
• Must be attended at all times.
• Water or a shovel must be onsite.

Machine Pile FIRE Category 3

• A fire that is greater than 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width.
• Must first have an inspection and approval of the location by the Fire Chief or Fire Chief's Designate.
• Must meet the requirements of the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations.

INCINERATORS

• The Incinerator must be maintained in a condition that provides for the proper combustion of any material burned;
• It must be metal or a masonry container fitted with a metal mesh screen or grill with openings of 3/8 inch (9.5mm) or less to restrict sparks.
• A domestic Incinerator must be located at least:
  • 1.5 metres from any combustibles such as grass, shrubbery or wooden fencing; and
  • 7.6 metres from any building or fuel storage area;
• The Incinerator must be attended at all times.
• Suitable means of extinguishment must be on site.

OUTDOOR WOOD FIRED APPLIANCES / SOLID FUEL APPLIANCES

Includes Hot tubs, pizza ovens, saunas, kilns etc.

• Before operating an Outdoor Wood-burning Appliance a person must first have an initial inspection and approval of the location by the Fire Chief or Fire Chief's Designate.
• Must meet applicable CSA/Underwriters Laboratory safety standards and be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• An outdoor fire appliance shall be located no closer than 3 meters from any building structure or fence and 1.5 meters from any dry vegetation, grass, or any other combustible materials.
• The fire is contained in a device or fixture designed for such purposes and the fire is only burning clean and dry wood
• Suitable means of extinguishment must be on site
• Apliances are subject of re-inspection at the discretion of PIFR

Burning Regulations follow CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT BYLAW NO. 4489 - a Bylaw to Regulate Open Burning within Juan De Fuca Electoral Area and Southern Gulf Island Electoral Area

Full text: CRD website Bylaw 4489