Permit required for residential backyard burning in Nanaimo

Backyard burning is by permit only in April and November

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 6, 2022 11:00 AM

Summary

Nanaimo Fire Rescue reminds residents that backyard burning is banned except by permit. Residents who are planning a backyard burn must familiarize themselves with the Fire Bylaw and the required conditions to obtain a permit. There is no fee this year; however, specific conditions must be met to obtain a permit.

Burning permits may be issued for one residential burn pile on a lot that is one (1) acre in size or greater or lots located on Protection Island, under the following conditions:

• A burning permit is required and can be obtained by calling the Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department at 250-753-7311 (Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
• Burning is only permitted from sunrise to sunset, Fridays and Saturdays, during the months of April and November.
• Fire must be on the property owned by the individual who wants to burn.
• The permittee shall keep a competent person at all times in charge of such fire until such time as the fire is completely extinguished.
• Only organic yard waste materials such as garden refuse and prunings may be burned.
• Burning of wooden construction material, stumps, land clearing materials/debris or household garbage is not permitted.
• Fires shall not exceed 1.5 meters across in size; shall be hand fed and shall be located at least 3 meters from any combustibles.

Permits are not valid on days when the venting index is fair or poor, the category must be good. The venting index can be found online at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/

For more information, residents may contact General Fire Information at 250-753-7311.

Link to Strategic Plan: By regulating burning in the City of Nanaimo, the impact to the environment is minimized therefore supporting the Environmental Responsibility outlined in the City's strategic plan.

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