The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation and its Code of Practice (Schedule B of the Regulation) are intended to reduce smoke, and encourage the reduction and reuse of vegetative debris from these operations whenever possible. However, even when burning is permitted there may still be local health impacts from smoke due to local meteorological and venting conditions.
The Government of B.C. is reviewing and revising this regulation through public consultation. See Proposed Changes to the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.
The Ministry of Environment has set up a central, toll-free number for all parts of the province: 1-888-281-2992. It provides the Venting Index forecast and an air quality report for each region. It also explains whether or not it is safe to burn, and where you need to go for burning approvals.
The Protection Branch of the Ministry of Forests and Range maintains lists of Open Fire, Campfire, and Forest Use Restrictions. Keep in mind that you may still need to contact your local fire department, municipal government or the Ministry of Forests and Range to ensure that you are allowed to burn.
The Ministry of Forests and Range has produced brochures on Backyard & Industrial Burning (PDF: 745 KB/2 pages) and Industrial & Resource Management Burning (PDF: 223 KB/2 pages).They may provide valuable information on the relevant wildfire regulations.
For further information on burning, call the B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range at 1-888-797-1717, visit Burning FAQ on their website, or contact the B.C. Forest Service Fire Centre office nearest you:
The British Columbia Wildfire Act and Wildfire Regulation outline responsibilities and obligations with respect to fire use, prevention, control and rehabilitation.
Inventory of Air Quality Bylaws in British Columbia for: Anti-Idling, Open-Burning, and Wood-Burning-Appliances lists and describes community bylaws in B.C. aimed at reducing emissions from vehicle idling, open burning and wood-burning appliances. Note that the report was written in early 2007 and many municipalities have since introduced or amended bylaws that apply to burning. Nevertheless, this report may provide a useful collection of information.
Before any burning takes place, the first step should be to seek out opportunities for debris utilization or alternative disposal methods. The Recycling Council of BC has put together an inventory of businesses and facilities in every regional district that accept household and business vegetative debris. See Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC): Directory of Alternatives to Open Burning.
For more information on recycling or disposal options, visit the Recycling Council of BC (RCBC) website. You can also call the RCBC Recycling Hotline at 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) in the Lower Mainland or 1-800-667-4321, for the rest of British Columbia. The Hotline operates from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Or send an e-mail to hotline@rcbc.bc.ca.
If you feel you must light a fire (and if local bylaws allow it), remember these important tips:
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