Burning Regulations

Category 1 Fire Prohibition Rescinded

September 10, 2026 — Metchosin, BC

The District of Metchosin and Metchosin Fire Department are advising residents that the local prohibition on Category 1 fires is being rescinded, effective Friday September 11, 1200hrs.

This decision reflects changing local conditions and improved fire-weather conditions, together with the recent rescindment of the Category 1 campfire prohibition by the Province across the Coastal Fire Centre.

Category 1 fires permitted

Residents may once again have Category 1 campfires, where otherwise permitted, subject to all applicable provincial and local requirements.

A Category 1 campfire is an open fire that:

  • burns material in one pile no larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width; and
  • is lit, fuelled or used for a recreational purpose.

Fire safety remains essential

The rescindment of the prohibition does not mean that conditions are risk-free. Residents are reminded that they remain responsible for ensuring that any fire is conducted safely and does not escape.

Anyone having a Category 1 fire must:

  • Ensure the fire is safe and is likely to remain safe;
  • Maintain a proper fuel break around the fire;
  • Keep the fire under constant watch and have sufficient firefighting tools immediately available;
  • Never leave a fire unattended;
  • Fully extinguish the fire before leaving;
  • Ensure the fire does not spread beyond the burn area.

Residents are also encouraged to avoid having a campfire during windy conditions and to maintain a clear area around the fire, including keeping fires well away from vegetation, structures and combustible debris.

Other fire restrictions remain in effect

This notice applies only to Category 1 fires.

Other provincial, regional or local fire restrictions remain in effect, including restrictions applicable to Category 2 and Category 3 open fires. Residents must confirm that the type of fire they intend to conduct is permitted before lighting it.

Fire conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of current conditions and follow any additional restrictions or directions issued by the District of Metchosin, Metchosin Fire Department or BC Wildfire Service.

When in doubt, don't burn.

For current provincial wildfire restrictions and information, visit the BC Wildfire Service website or use the BC Wildfire Service app.

Smoke Control & Burning Guidelines:

Please follow these guidelines to help reduce the danger of fire and discomfort from smoke in the community.

Backyard open burning is allowed between October 1st and May 31st only. (unless otherwise posted). Prior to burning, please ensure the venting index is "good" http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/

Backyard burning is permitted from 6am to 6pm only. Fires must be completely extinguished by 6pm - no smoke/no flame. 

ONLY DRY LEAVES, TREE TRIMMINGS & RESIDENTIAL YARD DEBRIS ARE ACCEPTABLE BURNING MATERIALS - UNDER 10cm IN DIAMETER

The burning of any construction waste, demolition debris, wet garbage, food or household waste, plastic, rubber, asphalt shingles, or similar material is prohibited.

Please ensure:

  • A responsible person is in constant supervision of the fire
  • A hose or water source is available at all times
  • The fire is hot and only dry materials is burned in order to avoid excessive smoke
  • Fires are not ignited in high wind conditions
  • Petroleum products are not used to accelerate or sustain the fire
  • Debris must originate from the property where burning is taking place

We are in a High Sensitivity Smoke Zone

Residential Backyard Open Burning (Debris < 10cm)

  • Piles to be no larger than 2 meters in diameter
  • No permit required
  • May only burn dry leaves and yard waste
  • Must have a hose or tools to control the fire
  • Must be 20 meters from any structure
  • Must be 10 meters from trees, fence or shrubs
  • Must be fully extinguished by 6 pm
  • Limited to three consecutive days

USE OF INCINERATORS & BURN BARRELS IS PROHIBITED - Please do not burn yard waste inside any kind of container.

Campfires - WHEN PERMITTED

  • No larger that 0.6 meters in diameter
  • Campfires must be in a designated fire pit or approved commercial appliance
  • No permit is required
  • May only burn clean, dry wood
  • Must be 6 meters away from any structure, timber, vegetative matter or flammable materials
  • Must have a bucket or hose for water\must be fully extinguished by midnight

BEACH FIRES ARE PROHIBITED WITHIN THE DISTRICT OF METCHOSIN - Propane Fire Pits are allowed

 

ALL FIREWORKS ARE BANNED WITHIN THE DISTRICT OF METCHOSIN - Except on October 31 & December 31 (when a permit is required)

Burning of Large Diameter Debris > 10cm - NEW REGULATIONS 2019

  • Must comply with the 2019 BC Environment Management Act and
    Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations
  • Written permit required from the Metchosin Fire Department, must have a copy on site
  • Venting Index must be 'good' the day of and 'fair' the second allowable burn day
  • Maximum of 2 consecutive days of burning
  • Must be 500m from residences/1000m from schools - unless notification distributed
  • Debris must be 'seasoned' as defined by the Regulation
  • No burning of stumps allowed
  • Permits issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designate - and can be recalled at any time

VENTING INDEX 1-888-281-2992

Please consider alternate solutions for debris removal, such as composting, chipping or leaving debris on the ground to develop natural habitats for animals.