Burning Regulations and Permits
Current Fire Ban Status
The Category 1 (campfire) and Category 2 (backyard burning) prohibitions in the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction will be rescinded in all areas effective at 12 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Source: Coastal Fire Centre - Sept. 24, 2025.
Learn more: BC Wildfire Service Fire Ban Details.
Know Your RDN Fire Protection Area
Use the RDN Fire Protection Areas interactive map to:
- Identify your local Fire Protection Area
- Identify the fire department responsible for your local Fire Protection Area
- Identify low, medium and high smoke sensitivity zones
- Use map layers to also see your RDN Electoral Area, watercourses, water bodies etc.
Local Bylaws and Restrictions
General Rules
- Backyard burning is prohibited when a Coastal Fire Centre ban is in effect.
- Always check venting before burning.
- Be aware of fire prohibitions and restrictions and smoke control - open burning guidelines.
Area-Specific Regulations
Dashwood, Coombs-Hilliers, Errington, Nanoose, Cranberry, Cassidy/Waterloo
- Governed by provincial legislation.
- No backyard burning during fire bans.
- Check the BC venting index before you burn.
- Be aware of the different open burning categories and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations in your area.
Bow Horn Bay
Regulated by Bylaw 1402: Fire prevention and regulation in Bow Horn Bay Fire Protection Area.
French Creek and Parksville Local Service Areas
- Regulated by Bylaw 920 (view French Creek fire map) and Bylaw 922 (view Parksville fire map)
- Backyard burning permitted:
- Feb. 15–Apr. 15 and Oct. 15–Dec. 15
- Max. pile size: 2 sq. metres
- Only garden waste from the same parcel
- No noxious materials
- Check the BC venting index before you burn.
- Construction/clearing waste fires: Not permitted.
- Agricultural clearing: Requires permit from local fire department.
Extension Fire Protection Area
- Regulated by Bylaw 1028 (view Extension fire map)
- Permit required for backyard burning Apr. 1–Oct. 31: T: 250 754-3235
- Cooking/incinerator fires: Not permitted when Forest Danger Rating Sign reads as ‘early shift’ or ‘extreme’ danger rating.
- Large/agricultural fires: Require permit from local fire department.
Deep Bay Improvement District
Permit required for open burning Apr. 15–Oct. 15. T 250-757-2030
East Wellington (Mountain Fire Protection District)
Permit required: T: 250-585-2931
Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department
- Permit required for fires >½ cubic metre.
- Inspection required before permit issuance.
- Permits issued Mon.–Thurs., 9 A.M.–4 P.M. T: 250-247-9677
North Cedar Improvement District
Municipal Burning Regulation / Bylaws
• City of Nanaimo. T: 250-754-425. www.nanaimo.ca
• City of Parksville. T: 250-248-6144. www.parksville.ca
• District of Lantzville. T: 250-390-4006. www.lantzville.ca
• Town of Qualicum Beach. T: 250-752-6921. www.qualicumbeach.com
Provincial Regulations
Burning in BC is governed by:
- Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (last amended Mar. 2022)
- Wildfire Regulation (last amended Apr. 2023)
- Wildfire Act (SBC 2004, Chapter 31)
BC categorizes burning into:
- Category 1: Campfires (Brochure. Poster)
- Category 2: Small open fires (Brochure. Poster)
- Category 3: Large open fires (requires registration) (Poster)
- Category 4: Prescribed/resource management fires (Prescribed Fire)
Prohibited Materials: Certain items cannot be burned.
- Prohibited Materials Burning Factsheet
- Wildfire prevention resources
- To report violations, call RAPP: 1-877-952-7277 or report online.
Air Quality & Health
Smoke exposure can be hazardous. Learn more:
• WorkSafeBC Wildfire Smoke FAQ
• Island Health Wildfire Smoke Info.
• BC Centre for Disease Control: Wildfire Smoke & Your Health