BURNING REGULATIONS

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
Open Burning is prohibited within the District of Metchosin.

Campfires are still allowed (2’x2′ – out by midnight)
Should you have any concerns, questions or complaints – please call or email.
As cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in BC continue to increase, the BC Centre for Disease Control recommends implementing measures that help to reduce excess air pollution in populated air sheds across the province. There is strong evidence that exposure to air pollution increases susceptibility to respiratory viral infections by decreasing immune function. This means that:
  • Deterioration in air quality may lead to more COVID-19 infections overall,
  • Deterioration in air quality may lead to more cases of severe COVID-19 infections, adding further demand to our healthcare system, and
  • Improvements to air quality may help to protect the whole population from COVID-19 and its potentially severe effects.  
    While the focus should remain on social distancing to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the number of cases, keeping our air as clean as possible will also help to protect the population during this difficult period. 

Please review current Provincial restrictions here:

District of Metchosin Smoke Control & Burning Guidelines

Residential Backyard Open Burning: CLOSED UNTIL OCTOBER 2020

Incinerator Burning:  CLOSED PERMANENTLY

Campfires: ALLOWED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Beach Fires: PROHIBITED 

Land Clearing: CLOSED

…download a printable version here…

 Please follow these guidelines to help reduce the danger from fire and the discomfort from smoke in the community:

  1. Burning is permitted from October 1st to May 31st only (unless otherwise posted).
  2. Burning is permitted from 6am to 6pm only. Fires must be completely extinguished by 6pm – no smoldering fires.
  3. ONLY DRY LEAVES, TREE TRIMMINGS & RESIDENTIAL YARD DEBRIS ARE ACCEPTABLE BURNING MATERIALS – UNDER 10CM IN DIAMETER
  4. The burning of any construction waste, demolition debris, wet garbage, food or household waste, plastic, rubber, asphalt shingles, or other similar material is prohibited.

Please ensure:

  • A responsible person is in constant supervision of the fire
  • A hose or water source is available at all times
  • The fire is hot and only dry material is burned in order to avoid excessive smoke
  • Do not ignite a fire in high wind conditions
  • Do not use petroleum products to accelerate or sustain the fire
  • Do not burn materials that have not originated from the property

Residential Backyard Open Burning – CLOSED  View Regulations

  • No larger than 3 meter in diameter
  • No permit required
  • May only burn dry leaves and yard waste under 10cm in diameter
  • Must have a hose or tools to control the fire
  • Must be 20 meters from any structure
  • Must be 10 meters from trees, fence or shrubs
  • Must be fully extinguished by 6pm
  • Limited to three consecutive days

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Residential Incinerator Burning – CLOSED/PROHIBITED PERMANENTLY  

Campfires  – NOW OPEN View Regulations

  • No larger than .06 meter in diameter
  • Campfires must be in a designated fire pit or approved commercial appliance
  • No permit required
  • May only burn clean dry firewood – no construction material or pallets
  • Must be 6 meters away from any structure, timber, vegetative matter or flammable materials
  • Must have a hose or tool to control the fire
  • Must be fully extinguished with water by midnight
  • Fires are not permitted ON ANY BEACH WITHIN THE DISTRICT OF METCHOSIN

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BURNING OF LARGE DIAMETER DEBRIS <10CM – CLOSED
VENTING INDEX: 1-888-281-2992 or click here to view online
View Regulations

  • Must comply with the 2019 BC Environment Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations NEW
  • Written permit required from the Metchosin Fire Department, must have copy on site
  • Venting Index must be ‘good’ the day of and ‘fair’ day after the scheduled burn
  • Maximum 2 consecutive days NEW
  • Must be 500 meters from residences/1000m from schools – unless notification distributed NEW
  • Debris must be ‘seasoned’ as defined by the Regulation NEW
  • No burning of stumps allowed NEW
  • Permits issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designate – and can be recalled at any time.

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