Outdoor Burning within the City of Nanaimo

Burning Regulations & Permits

• Fires in City Parks

  The City of Nanaimo does not allow for outdoor cooking fires on any civic property or park.  There are designated areas however, in several parks where gas BBQs or grills are permitted.

  Beach fires within the City of Nanaimo are prohibited.

• Backyard Cooking & Outdoor Fires

  Within the City of Nanaimo residents are permitted to have backyard cooking fires on their private property, without a permit.  See the  Burning Regulation Quick Guide for a quick reference to what is permitted and prohibited.

  A backyard cooking fire is defined as a fire solely based on being used for the cooking of food provided that the following requirements are met:

  • There is no Provincial Fire Ban in effect – stay up to date on current Provincial Fire regulations here:  Coastal Fire Centre bans and restrictions - Gov.bc.ca
  • The cooking fire is within a device or barrier and is contained from spreading.
  • The cooking fire device or barrier does NOT exceed 24 inches in diameter.
  • Clean, dry firewood, or pressed wood (wood pellets, briquettes, and logs for use in burning appliances.) are ONLY permitted to be burned.
  • The fire duration is not more than 2 hours.

   

  Please be aware that:

  • There is currently no permit or charge required for this type of fire.
  • Burning of debris from land clearing is prohibited.
  • Any fire that is ignited without the purpose of cooking food is prohibited and may result with a fine.
  • Any fires that generate persistent, offensive smoke shall be ordered extinguished.
  • Burning of plastics, rubber, foam, pallets, packing and packaging materials, construction waste, rubbish, household waste, or other materials are prohibited.
  • Failure to comply with the City of Nanaimo’s Fire Protection and Life and Safety Regulation Bylaw 2011 No. 7108 may result in a fine.

• Backyard Burning - Open Burning of Yard Waste

  For a quick reference check out the  Open Burning Checklist

  Provincial Venting Index in real time - Provincial Venting Index

  To apply for an Open Burning Permit please click:   Open Burning Permit Application  **Note:  Application form is ONLY available 1 month prior to when open burning is permitted

  During the months of April and November only, residents can obtain an Open Burning permit (no fee at this time) for one (1) burn pile, provided that the burn pile is on a lot that is one (1) acre in size or greater OR the lot is located on Protection Island.

  The following regulations apply should you require an open burning permit:

  • A burning permit is required and mandatory

  • Please complete the online form to obtain the burn permit.  You will be notified via email when the permit has been issued. See below for link.

  • Alternatively, 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 only, during the months of April and November.
  • The permit holder must check the venting index prior to burning to ensure that burning is allowed for that day.  Simply click on the link, enter in your address and follow the legend. Venting Index for the Province of BC
  • The burning must occur on the property owned by the individual who holds the permit.
  • The permittee shall always keep a competent person in charge of such fire until such time as the fire is completely extinguished.
  • Only organic yard waste materials such as garden refuse and pruning may be burned.
  • Burning of plastics, rubber, foam, pallets, packing and packaging materials, construction waste, rubbish, household waste, or other materials are prohibited.
  • 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.

• Special Event and Ceremonial Fire Permits

  Quick Access:  Special Event or Ceremonial Burning Permit Application

  At the discretion of the Fire Chief and/or their designate, a burning permit may be issued for various special events including religious and cultural ceremonies. 

  While there is a fee of $50.00 associated with a burn permit for special events, there is no fee for religious and cultural ceremony burn permits. 

  Permits must be obtained by the Fire Loss & Prevention Department during business hours (Monday to Friday 08:30 to 16:30) in person at Fire Station No. 1 (666 Fitzwilliam Street) or via email using the fillable PDF link below prior to noon (12:00) on the day the fire is required.

  Requirements that must be met as per the Fire Protection and Life Safety Regulation Bylaw 2011 No. 7108 (Part 6):

  • The burning must occur on the property owned by the individual who holds the permit.
  • The permittee shall always keep a competent person in charge of such fire until such time as the fire is completely extinguished.
  • Burning of wooden construction material, stumps, land clearing materials/debris or household garbage is not permitted.
  • This permit is subject to cancellation or suspension at any time at the discursion of the Fire Chief or an Officer of Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department where there is a violation of any condition under which the permit was issued.