How to Burn

BURN PERMITS NOW ARE REQURED ALL YEAR AROUND

Beginning January 1st, 2024 there are no longer seasonal periods when burning is allowed without a permit

You can get permits online on this website or in person at Fire Hall #1 with the exception of Machine Pile Fire Category 3 permits that can be obtained only in person.

Failure to obtain a permit or comply with bylaws may result in a fine up to $2,000.00 and may also be subject to additional provincial fines.

Failure to provide accurate information on permit application may result in a fine and the permit being revoked.

When the Fire Chief has implemented a ban there shall be no burning

You must check this website or call the Fire Department for up to date conditions everytime before burning

CAMP FIRES Category 1

  • For a camp fire the property owner must obtain the permit.
  • A camp fire can not exceed 0.5 meters in height and 0.5 meters in width.
  • It can not be withinwithin 7.5 metres of any building, structure, fence, property line.
  • It can not be withinwithin 3 metres of any driftwood, dry vegetation, grass or any other combustible material.
  • No burning of Domestic Waste (garbage), green debris or leaves.
  • The area must be cleared of debris and anything combustible.
  • Water or a shovel must be onsite.
  • Must be attended at all times.
  • Must be completely extinguished before leaving and cool to the touch.

BEACH FIRES Category 1

  • For a beach fire the upland property owner must obtain the permit.
  • A beach fire can not exceed 0.5 meters in height and 0.5 meters in width.
  • It can not be withinwithin 7.5 metres of any building, structure, fence, property line.
  • It can not be withinwithin 3 metres of any driftwood, dry vegetation, grass or any other combustible material.
  • No burning of Domestic Waste (garbage), green debris or leaves.
  • The area must be cleared of debris and anything combustible.
  • Water or a shovel must be onsite.
  • Must be attended at all times.
  • Must be completely extinguished before leaving and cool to the touch.

BACKYARD BURN Category 2

  • For a backyard fire the property owner must obtain the permit.
  • A fire can not exceed 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width.
  • It can not be within 10 metres of any building, structure, fence, tree or hedge.
  • No burning of Domestic Waste (garbage), green debris or leaves.
  • Burn no longer than 4 consecutive days, followed by 4 days of no burning. Each new fire must be in a different location to prevent fire from burning underground
  • Do not add materials to the fire within 2 hours of sunset of each day of the fire.
  • The area must be cleared of debris and anything combustible.
  • Must be attended at all times.
  • Water or a shovel must be onsite.

Machine Pile FIRE Category 3

  • A fire that is greater than 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width.
  • Must first have an inspection and approval of the location by the Fire Chief or Fire Chief's Designate.
  • Must meet the requirements of the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations.

INCINERATORS

  • The Incinerator must be maintained in a condition that provides for the proper combustion of any material burned;
  • It must be metal or a masonry container fitted with a metal mesh screen or grill with openings of 3/8 inch (9.5mm) or less to restrict sparks.
  • A domestic Incinerator must be located at least:
    • 1.5 metres from any combustibles such as grass, shrubbery or wooden fencing; and
    • 7.6 metres from any building or fuel storage area;
  • The Incinerator must be attended at all times.
  • Suitable means of extinguishment must be on site.

OUTDOOR WOOD FIRED APPLIANCES / SOLID FUEL APPLIANCES

Includes Hot tubs, pizza ovens, saunas, kilns etc.

  • Before operating an Outdoor Wood-burning Appliance a person must first have an initial inspection and approval of the location by the Fire Chief or Fire Chief's Designate.
  • Must meet applicable CSA/Underwriters Laboratory safety standards and be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • An outdoor fire appliance shall be located no closer than 3 meters from any building structure or fence and 1.5 meters from any dry vegetation, grass, or any other combustible materials.
  • The fire is contained in a device or fixture designed for such purposes and the fire is only burning clean and dry wood
  • Suitable means of extinguishment must be on site
  • Apliances are subject of re-inspection at the discretion of PIFR

Burning Regulations follow CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT BYLAW NO. 4489 - a Bylaw to Regulate Open Burning within Juan De Fuca Electoral Area and Southern Gulf Island Electoral Area

Full text: CRD website Bylaw 4489

Pender Island Fire Rescue

4423 Bedwell Harbour Road
Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1
Canada

Phone: 250-629-3321
Email: administration@penderfire.ca

© Pender Island Fire Rescue 2024
Website design, programming and home page photo by Sergei Petrov

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