BURNING REGULATIONS

Please consider alternate solutions for debris removal, such as:
composting, chipping, leaving debris on the ground to develop natural habitats

Open Burning
District of Metchosin Smoke Control & Burning Guidelines

Residential Yard Burning: NOW OPEN

Incinerator Burning: CLOSED PERMANENTLY
Campfires: NOW OPEN
Land Clearing Fires: NOW OPEN WITH PERMIT

 

 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
  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 Open Burning – NOW OPEN  View Regulations

  • No larger than 6’ in diameter
  • No permit required
  • May only burn dry leaves and yard waste
  • Must have a hose or tools to control the fire
  • Must be 20 feet away from any structure
  • Must be 20 feet away from trees, fence or shrubs
  • Must be fully extinguished by 6pm
  • Limited to three times per week

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Residential Incinerator Burning – CLOSED/PROHIBITED PERMANENTLY  

 

Campfires  – NOW OPEN View Regulations

  • No larger than 2’ 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 20 feet away from any structure
  • Must be 20 feet away from trees, fence or shrubs
  • 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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Class “A” Fires – Land Clearing Fires – NOW OPEN WITH PERMIT ONLY  
VENTING INDEX: 1-888-281-2992 or click here to view online
View Regulations

  • Must comply with the BC Environment Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations
  • 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
  • May burn a maximum of four times a year per parcel
  • Maximum 3 consecutive days
  • Must be a minimum 15 days between permits
  • Must have a machine at the burn site
  • Permits issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designate – and can be recalled at any time.

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