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.
Outdoor burning regulation - Quick Guide
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