Burning Information


 FIRE DANGER RATING

(updated 10/12/2023)

Campfire Ban Lifted on the Sunshine Coast

Tags: 2023 | News Release
Date Released: September 27, 2023

After significant rainfall on the Sunshine Coast, local fire chiefs, in consultation with the Provincial Coastal Fire Centre have lifted the campfire ban for the Region.

While campfires are once again allowed, backyard burning is still prohibited until mid-October.

“We have seen the destruction that wildfires have brought to other parts of our Province this summer. On behalf of the fire chiefs and the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program, we appreciate the diligence shown by residents these past few months,” says Gibsons Fire Chief Rob Michael. “That being said, the threats associated with fire never go away so please check in with your local fire department if you have any questions about current regulations.”

Further information can be found via each fire department at www.scrd.ca/fire-departments

BURNING SEASON:

Backyard burning will only be permitted between April 1st to April 15th and Oct 15th to Nov 15th (inclusive).This includes all yard and garden fires, burning barrels and screened incinerators. (Enforced by the SCRD Smoke Control Bylaw)

CAMPFIRES PERMITTED: Seasoned Wood Only (Year Round)

Below you will find general information about burning. If you are in doubt, especially during the summer season, call the fire department at:604-885-6872

Open burning in Halfmoon Bay is regulated by SCRD Fire Protection Bylaw #631 and HMB Smoke Control Bylaw No. 622

CAMPFIRES (INCLUDES BEACHFIRES)

PERMIT: No Permit Required. Responsible campfire use follows the (campfire regulations)

PURPOSE: Fires for cooking, warmth and ceremonial purposes. (fueled by seasoned wood only)

SIZE: Must not exceed 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter.

CLEARANCE: At least 3 metres from any log, stump, snag, standing tree or wooden structure.

BANS: During periods when fuels are dry (spring, summer or fall) and the fire danger increases, the Fire Chief may need to impose bans or restrictions.

BACKYARD BURNING  (CLASS B FIRES) (Category 2 open fire)

PERMIT: No Permit Required. (Enforced by the SCRD Smoke Control Bylaw)

PURPOSE: A small backyard fire for burning waste material. The accumulations are normally hand piled, garden refuse waste materials and may be contained within a (burning barrel). Absolutely NO burning of building materials permitted.

SIZE: Not to exceed 1 metre in height and 2 metres in diameter.

CLEARANCE: Not less than 15 metres from any building, 5 metres from property line and at a safe distance from all combustible materials.

BANS: Class B Fires are only permitted from April 1st to April 15th and Oct 15th to Nov 15th when the Ventilation Index as issued by the Province of BC is rated as “GOOD” for the Sechelt Region.

NOTE: The mandate of the fire department is to address safety. smoke is a nuisance and does not fall within fire department jurisdiction. If someone is burning in their yard and following the regulations they may continue to do so. If their smoke is causing a problem for you please talk to them and let them know about your concerns.

LANDCLEARING FIRES (CLASS A FIRES)

PERMIT: Fire Safety Burning Permit Required

PURPOSE: A fire used for burning land-clearing debris on private property.

SIZE: Large machine piled fires. (Burn piles are not to exceed 200 cubic meters in size)

CLEARANCE: Not less than 15 metres from standing timber, combustible materials and any property line. Not less than 100 metres of a neighboring residence or business, and not less than 500 metres of a school in session, hospital or extended health care facility. If the property is within 1 kilometre of a Provincial forest or grasslands, the applicant is also responsible to obtain a burn registration number for the fire in advance, by calling 1-888-797-1717, toll free.

BANS: During periods when fuels are dry (spring, summer or fall) and the fire danger increases, the Fire Chief may need to impose bans or restrictions.

VENTING INDEX: ensure that the Ventilation index (Sechelt Region) is “good” on the day you start the burn and forecast to be “good” or “fair” on the following day.

PERSONS WHO CONTRAVENES, VIOLATES OR FAILS TO COMPLY WITH ANY PROVISION OF THE BYLAW IS SUBJECT TO FINES UP TO $10,000.00.

SMOKE COMPLAINTS

ENFORCEMENT IS COVERED YEAR ROUND BY HMB SMOKE CONTROL BYLAW #622  (SCRD Bylaw Officer)

SCRD Bylaw Enforcement Officer can be reached by email bylaw.compliance@scrd.ca or call 604-885-6800. If calling outside regular office hours follow the prompt to the answering service.

For complaints regarding smoke from land clearing fires or large scale burning call the Conservation Office at 1-877-952-7277