Outdoor Burning within the City of Nanaimo

 

To protect air quality and prevent the spread of fire, open burning involving solid fuels are not allowed in the City of Nanaimo.  There are, however, the following exceptions to this rule:

  • Backyard cooking fire
  • Backyard burning of organic waste such as pruning’s, leaves and small branches (permit required)
  • Special event fire during a community event or where performances involve an open flame (permit required)
  • Ceremonial fire for religious or cultural ceremonies (permit required)
  • Campfires at a designated campground (permit required)

See the Burning Regulation Quick Guide for a quick reference as to what is permitted and prohibited within the City of Nanaimo.

Be sure to check out the Open Burning Checklist for a quick reference to see if you are eligible to open burn on your property.  Detailed information on Open Burning is also below.

Stay up to date on Provincial Fire Regulations or Restrictions Coastal Fire Centre bans and restrictions - Gov.bc.ca

Burning Regulations & Permits

Last updated: April 4, 2025

Give feedback on accessibility. Submit your feedback through our online accessibility feedback form. Help us understand barriers people face when accessing City services.

You can attach files to help explain the barrier you faced in the form, like: a video, voice recording or photos. If American Sign Language (ASL) is the best way for you to communicate, upload a video of yourself using ASL into the form.

Please include: what you were trying to access, where the barrier happened, what the barrier was and any recommendations you might have.


Thank you for your assistance. One of our website team will look into the reported issue shortly. Loading animation

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.