Burning Regulations & Permits
Residential Backyard Burning Permits for April and November
- No Fee for this year.
- Read conditions below to see if you qualify.
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. A permit 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.
- Venting index is available at
https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6d288bc667b24528a5c1e3b4c0373d07. The ventilation category must be GOOD using the interactive map. If your area is blue = burning is permitted, if your area is green or red = burning is not permitted.
Outdoor burning regulation - Quick Guide
![Burning Regulation_prohibited Burning Regulation_prohibited](/images/home-banners/burning-regulation_prohibitedabbd233a1b316d6b9fc9ff00001037d2.png)
Residential outdoor cooking fires
Permits are not required for residential outdoor cooking fires, under these conditions:
- Fire is within a device or barrier and is contained from spreading
- Container does not exceed 24 inches in diameter
- Burn only clean, dry wood or briquettes
- Fire duration is not more than 2 hours
Exceptions
Barbecues, grills or smokers fuelled by:
- Liquid (naphtha, kerosene, etc.)
- Gas (propane, natural gas, etc.)
- Solid (charcoal briquettes)
- Electricity
- Portable or fixed campfire devices that are fuelled by propane or natural gas
The burning of debris from land clearing is prohibited.
Any fires that generate persistent, offensive smoke shall be ordered extinguished.
Other fires
For other kinds of fires, like ceremonial, campground or for a special event (such as a bonfire), you will also need a permit.
![Sparky Dog photo](/images/services-images/emergency-services/photo.jpg)
Contact Us
General Fire Information
666 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 3B5
250-753-7311
fireinfo@nanaimo.ca
Last updated: June 20, 2024
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