🔥 Current Fire Restrictions – Coastal Fire Centre - Nanaimo
✅ Category 1 – Campfires are Permitted
Campfires must be no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. Always ensure your campfire is fully extinguished and never left unattended.
🚫 Category 2 – Prohibited (Class B Fires)
Includes fires used to burn debris in a single pile less than 2 metres high by 3 metres wide.
Prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre from May 30 to October 31, 2025.
🚫 Category 3 – Prohibited (Class A Fires)
Includes larger open fires that exceed Category 2 size limits. These fires require a permit and a mandatory site inspection.
Contact your local Fire Department to determine if you qualify.
Prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre from May 30 to October 31, 2025.
📞 Important Contact Numbers
Emergencies: Dial 911
For all fire, medical, or life-threatening emergencies.
Non-Emergency Fire Concerns:
Call 250-753-7311, then press Option 2
Use this line to report burning complaints, smoke concerns, or other non-emergency fire-related issues.
Please use the appropriate number to help keep emergency lines available for urgent situations.
🚒 About Nanaimo Fire Rescue
Nanaimo Fire Rescue (NFR) is dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment—working every day to enhance the safety and well-being of our community.
👨🚒 Growing to Serve You Better
In 2025, NFR welcomed 20 new firefighters as part of the Nanaimo Fire Rescue Master Plan, increasing our team to 145 career personnel. Our members include professionals from the International Association of Firefighters, CUPE, and management—united in delivering exceptional emergency services.
🔥 What We Do
- Structure fires & wildfires
- Medical emergencies
- Motor vehicle incidents
- Technical, water, and ice rescues
- Hazardous materials response
We also lead community risk reduction through:
- Fire prevention inspections & investigations
- Public education programs
- Smoke alarm installation
- FireSmart BC initiatives
- Bystander CPR training
- Emergency preparedness outreach
🏢 Our Fire Stations
- Four stations are staffed 24/7 by four platoons of 31 firefighters
- One station on Protection Island is operated by paid on-call volunteers
🧭 Divisions & Services
- Administration
- Fire Operations
- Fire Loss Prevention Division (FLPD)
- Training Division
- Vancouver Island Emergency Response Academy (VIERA)
- Preplanning
- Emergency Management
🔍 Fire Loss Prevention Division (FLPD)
FLPD includes six Fire Prevention Officers responsible for:
- Fire inspections
- Fire investigations
- Public education
🎓 Vancouver Island Emergency Response Academy (VIERA)
VIERA is an accredited training institution serving over 150 fire departments across BC, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. With 30+ programs, VIERA generates revenue for the City and helps offset operational costs.
⚠️ Emergency Management
The City of Nanaimo Emergency Program ensures readiness for local and regional hazards. It includes:
- The Local Authority (Mayor and Council)
- The Emergency Management Committee
- The Emergency Program Manager
This program is guided by the Emergency Program Act and City Bylaw 7202.
📞 911 Dispatch Services
Emergency calls are managed through:
- ECOMM Public Safety Answer Point (PSAP)
- Surrey Fire Dispatch
🚒 Nanaimo Fire Rescue FAQs
Yes, backyard cooking campfires are permitted without a burn permit, provided the following conditions are met:
- No Provincial Fire Ban is in effect – check the latest updates at Coastal Fire Centre Bans and Restrictions.
- The fire is used solely for cooking food.
- It is contained within a device or barrier no larger than 24 inches in diameter.
- Only clean, dry firewood or pressed wood products are burned.
- The fire lasts no more than 2 hours.
Important:
- No permit or fee is required for this type of fire.
- Burning debris from land clearing is prohibited.
- Fires not used for cooking are not allowed and may result in fines.
- Fires producing persistent or offensive smoke must be extinguished.
- Burning prohibited materials (e.g., plastics, rubber, construction waste) is not allowed.
- Non-compliance with Bylaw No. 7108 may result in fines.
More info: Burning Regulations & Permits
No. Fires are not permitted on any beaches within the City of Nanaimo.
More info: Burning Regulations & Permits
No, Nanaimo Fire Rescue no longer installs car seats. Instead, contact:
BCAA Child Passenger Safety Program
📞 1-877-247-5551 | ✉️ roadsafety@bcaa.com
Contact Mid Island Fire Equipment Ltd
📍 273 Selby Street | 📞 250-754-7641
No. Fireworks are not permitted within City limits, including possession, sale, or discharge.
Permits may be issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief if all requirements under Bylaw No. 7049 are met, including:
- Valid Fireworks Supervisor's Certificate
- Public liability insurance
- Applicable permit fees
Non-compliance may result in fines.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue has limited records of underground tank permits. To inquire:
Email: fire.info@nanaimo.ca with the property address.
If you are not the registered owner, written consent from the current owner is required.
Take used fuel in an approved Gerry can to a Regional Recycling depot. A $10 voucher is provided.
- Location 1: 2375 Hayes Road
- Location 2: 839 Old Victoria Road
- 📞 250-751-2358
- Regional Recycling Nanaimo
No. Nanaimo Fire Rescue no longer has volunteer or on-call firefighters.
Contact Us
Last updated: June 23, 2025
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