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 to stay safe.
Know your area
The CRD provides fire protection services in many Electoral Area communities through a network of commissions, societies, and service contracts. Most fire department members are volunteers from within the communities they serve. Municipalities are responsible for provision of fire protection through their local fire departments.
Know your fire class
There are three categories of open fires which include Campfires, Category 2 Fires, Category 3 Fires, as well as Solid Fuel Appliances, and Incinerators.
A campfire is any fire smaller than 0.5m high by 0.5m wide. Any person may use a campfire for recreational purposes or by a First Nation for ceremonial purposes.
A Category 2 fire is larger than a campfire and used for disposing of vegetative debris. This category refers to open fires, other than a campfire, that burn: material in one pile not exceeding 2m in height and 3m in width; material concurrently in two piles, each not exceeding 2m in height and 3m in width; stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.
A Category 3 fire is an open fire that burns: material concurrently in three or more piles each not exceeding 2m in height and 3m in width; material in one or more piles each exceeding 2m in height or 3m in width; one or more windrows (row of cut hay or small grain crop stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares.
Solid Fuel Appliances: Before installing, erecting, or operating a Solid Fuel Burning Appliance, a person must first obtain a permit issued by the Fire Chief or Fire Chief’s Designate.
Incinerators: Before installing, erecting or operating an Incinerator, or lighting, igniting or maintaining any fire in an Incinerator, a person must first obtain a permit issued by the Fire Chief or Fire Chief’s Designate.
Know the rules
Never burn garbage or construction debris. It is illegal unless specifically authorized as it releases toxic chemicals in the air. Effects of these toxins include cancer, lowered immunity, disorders of the nervous system, and interfere with childhood development. Reduce waste and recycle instead.
Be aware of the rules and safety actions for industrial and high risk activities.