Open Burning

Can I light a fire?

To find out if you can light a fire, you need to know your area, know your fire class, and know the rules you need to follow.

Know your area

The Capital Regional District (CRD) provides fire protection services in many Electoral Area communities. Municipalities are responsible for provision of fire protection through their local fire departments.

  • Juan de Fuca Fire Protection
  • Salt Spring Island Fire Protection
  • Southern Gulf Islands Fire Protection

Know your fire class

  1. A Campfire is a recreational or ceremonial fire smaller than a 0.5 meter by a 0.5 meter in size: Campfires [PDF/23KB]
  2. A Category 2 Fire is for burning debris in 1 to 2 piles smaller than 2 meters high by 3 meters wide: Category 2 Fire [PDF/27KB]
  3. A Category 3 Fire is any fire larger than Category 2: Category 3 Fire [PDF/26KB]

Solid Fuel Appliances include outdoor wood-burning barbecues, chimineas, pizza ovens, hot tubs, and food smokers.

Incinerators include any metal or masonry container used for burning, such as a burn barrel.

Know the rules

All fires require building setbacks, venting conditions, supervision, a fuel break, access to water and handtools, and more.

In case of an emergency dial 911

Useful Emergency Preparedness Information

Was this page helpful?

You will NOT receive a reply because this form is anonymous. To get an answer to a question, email us at webdesk@crd.bc.ca. 

Abstract teal and navy blue butterfly illustrations.

Territorial Acknowledgement

The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation