🔥 City of Nanaimo Outdoor Burning Regulations

To protect public safety and air quality, the City of Nanaimo regulates all forms of outdoor burning. Whether you're cooking outdoors, hosting a cultural ceremony, or planning a special event, here’s what you need to know.

🔗 Stay up to date with Coastal Fire Centre bans and restrictions - Gov.bc.ca

🔗 Burning Regulation Quick Guide

🍔 Backyard Cooking Fires (No Permit Required)

Backyard cooking fires are allowed without a permit, but only under these conditions:

  • Fires must be used exclusively for cooking.
  • Use a CSA- or ULC-approved appliance (e.g., fire bowl, chiminea, or BBQ).
  • Burn only clean, dry wood or charcoal—no garbage or treated wood.
  • The fire must be no larger than 24 inches (61 cm) in diameter.
  • Keep the fire at least 3 metres away from any structure or combustible material.
  • Fires must be supervised by a competent adult at all times.
  • Have a means to extinguish the fire nearby (e.g., hose or bucket).
  • Fires should not exceed 2 hours in duration.

🌿 Backyard Burning (Permit Required)

Burning yard waste is only allowed with a permit and under strict conditions:

  • Permitted only on properties 1 acre or larger or on Protection Island.
  • Allowed Fridays and Saturdays, from sunrise to sunset, during April and November ONLY.
  • Fires must be no larger than 1.5 metres across and 3 metres from combustibles.
  • Only organic yard waste may be burned—no garbage, construction materials, or stumps.
  • Fires must be hand-fed and supervised at all times.

🔗 Apply for a burning permit

 🔗 Open Burning Checklist

🔥 Ceremonial & Special Event Fires (Permit Required)

Special fires for cultural, religious, or community events are permitted with prior approval:

  • A Special Event or Ceremonial Burn Permit is required.
  • Fires must be held only on the dates and times specified in the permit.
  • All permit conditions must be followed, including fire size, supervision, and safety equipment.
  • Fires must be hand-fed and not exceed 1.5 metres in diameter.
  • Must be located at least 3 metres from any combustible materials.

🔗 Apply for a Special Event or Ceremonial Burn Permit

🚫 Prohibited Burning

  • No burning of garbage, plastics, construction debris, or treated wood.
  • No open burning during a provincial fire ban.
  • No fires in City parks unless specifically permitted.
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Burning Regulations & Permits

HomePage / Public Safety / Nanaimo Fire Rescue / Fire Loss and Prevention Department - Inspections, Prevention & Education / Burning Regulations & Permits

Last updated: June 20, 2025

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