Nanaimo Backyard Burning Rules

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Residential Backyard Burning

Nanaimo Fire Rescue would like to remind City of Nanaimo residents that Backyard Burning is banned in the City of Nanaimo except by permit. In order to obtain a burning permit certain conditions must be met including:

1. BURNING PERMITS

Burning permits may be issued for an Open Burning fire on a lot that is one (1) acre in size or greater OR lots located on Protection Island, under the following conditions:

• Burning is only permitted from sunrise to sunset, Fridays and Saturdays, during the months of April and November.
• Only organic yard waste materials such as garden refuse and prunings may be burned.
• A burning permit is required. A permit can be obtained by calling the Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department at 250-753-7311.
• The permittee shall keep a competent person at all times in charge of such fire until such time as the fire is completely extinguished.
• Fires shall not exceed 1.5 meters across in size; shall be hand fed and shall be located at least 3 meters from any combustibles.
• Burning of wooden construction material, stumps, land clearing materials/debris or household garbage is not permitted.

2. RESIDENTIAL COOKING FIRES

Permit requirements shall not apply to outdoor cooking fires, “provided the fire is contained to a device or fixture designed for containing the fire and not exceeding 24 inches in diameter. The fire may only utilize clean, dry wood or briquettes and may not exceed two hours in duration”. (Bylaw 7108 Section 30(7)).

EXCEPTIONS TO RESIDENTIAL COOKING FIRES

There are no restrictions for the use of outdoor cooking appliances such as barbecues, grills or smokers which are fuelled by a liquid (i.e. naphtha, kerosene), a gas (i.e. propane, natural gas), a solid (charcoal briquettes) or electricity.

The uses of portable campfire devices or fixed campfire devices which are fuelled by propane or natural gas are permitted.

3. LAND CLEARING BURNING

The burning of debris from land clearing is PROHIBITED in the City of Nanaimo.