Can I have a backyard fire? Do I need a burn permit?
In the City of Nanaimo, British Columbia, open burning & fires rules are set by Fire Protection and Life Safety Regulation Bylaw 2011 No. 7108 (Part 6 - open burning), verified 2026-08-28. Fines: fine not exceeding $50,000; or maximum penalty set out in Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159. A permit is required. Permit issuer: Fire Chief or an Officer.
Fire Protection and Life Safety Regulation Bylaw 2011 No. 7108 (Part 6 - open burning)
adopted bylaw
permit required
yes
s. 29(2)
permit issuer
Fire Chief or an Officer
s. 30(1)
allowed conditions
Training fires exempt; organic yard waste on lots >=1 acre Fridays/Saturdays sunrise-sunset April/November; cooking fires exempt if contained <=24 inches diameter, clean wood, <=2 hours.
s. 29(1), s. 30(3), s. 30(7)
fine range
fine not exceeding $50,000; or maximum penalty set out in Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159
s. 40(2)
scout note
Part 6 bans open burning City-wide except by free permit, available only April and November for organic yard waste on 1+ acre lots (or Protection Island), sunrise-sunset Fri/Sat; also allows small contained outdoor cooking fires.
Outdoor Burning Regulations & Permits (fire department page)
Official Fire Rescue page summarizing the Bylaw 7108 open-burning permit rules, prohibited materials (plastics, construction waste, household garbage), and provincial venting-index/fire-ban overrides.