Residents should be aware of provincial regulations before conducting any burning. It is important to check with the appropriate ministry to avoid fines.

Anyone burning material also must comply with any local bylaws that exist for fire protection and/or air quality. Air pollution from burning of waste can generate plumes of smoke which can generate fire brands and flying debris.

The Ministry of Environment Burning Requirements Fact Sheet provides a comprehensive summary on the topic including why burning is of concern, how burning is regulated, compliance and enforcement, etc.

Resources available from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations:

• The Fire Categories poster identifies the responsibilities an individual must take when burning and identifies when a burn registrations number is required
• The Industrial and Resource Management Burning Fact Sheet provides details about Category 3 open fires (i.e. fires that require a burn registration number).

Suggested sites:

Provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation webpage provides a general summary and important information about open burning including the Burning Requirements Fact Sheet that covers why burning is of concern, how burning is regulated, compliance and enforcement, etc.

Provincial Fire Bans and Restrictions webpage provides information about when a Burn Registration number is required and if there are any burn bans or restrictions in place.

Also consider alternatives to burning like the composting and recycling services offered by the Regional District.