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

Burning Regulation_prohibited 

Burning Regulation_permitted 

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

The burning of debris from land clearing is prohibited.

Any fires that generate persistent, offensive smoke shall be ordered extinguished.

Other fires

For other kinds of fires, like ceremonial, campground or for a special event (such as a bonfire), you will also need a permit.

Download burning permit for other fire types

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Contact Us

General Fire Information 666 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 3B5
250-753-7311
fireinfo@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: October 4, 2023

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