Open Fire & Fire Danger Rating

Details on the open fire prohibition schedule for coastal fire centre can be found here. Fire Danger Rating map and information can be found here.

Backyard Category 2

Category 2 fire: 1-2 concurrently burning piles no larger than 2 meters high by 3 meters wide.

Some open fires may be restricted in Coastal Fire Centre. Details can be found here.

TODAY'S VENTILATION INDEX for Friday January 24, 2025

FAIR

NO BACKYARD BURNS

TOMORROW'S FORECAST: POOR

Once it has been determined that there is no burning prohibition in effect back yard burning is allowed and does not require any burning permit. Please use a good dose of common sense when burning and be kind to your neighbours (ie. SMOKE).

Back yard burning is only allowed when venting index is "GOOD" (use "CNTRL VAN ISLD", afternoon reading, for Nanoose venting).

DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR PROHIBITED MATERIALS!

A fact sheet with provincial Burning requirements is available here. "Best practices" include burning during daylight hours only, preferably between noon and 5pm as VENTILATION INDICES NORMALLY DROP TO POOR AFTER SUNSET and smoke settles.

Land Clearing Debris Category 3

Once it has been determined that there is no burning prohibition in effect land clearing debris burning is allowed and does not require a burning permit. BUT the following guidelines must be used:

1. A burn reference number must be obtained (1-888-797-1717)
2. Ensure that the venting index is "GOOD" on the day you start the burn and forecast to be "GOOD" or "FAIR" on the following day. DO NOT USE THE MORNING INDEX, USE THE AFTERNOON ONLY (use "CNTRL VAN ISLD" for Nanoose venting).

An interactive venting index map is live on the BC ENV website here.

The “NEW” OPEN BURNING SMOKE CONTROL REGULATION MUST BE FOLLOWED - information can be found here.

Information on the Open Burning Smoke Regulation can be found here.

Compliance and Enforcement: Anyone failing to obtain appropriate authorization for discharging waste into the environment by burning contravenes EMA and may receive a fine not exceeding $1,000,000 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months. Non-compliance with the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation can result in a fine of up to $200,000. In addition, the Ministry has a range of tools to address compliance issues including orders, administrative sanctions and administrative penalties.