Open burning & fires — Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Can I have a backyard fire? Do I need a burn permit?

In the Regional municipality of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, open burning & fires rules are set by Burning By-law No. B-400, verified 2026-09-27. Fines: $100-$5,000; default imprisonment up to 30 days. A permit is required. Permit issuer: Fire Chief.

Burning By-law No. B-400 adopted bylaw
permit required yes s. 4(2)
permit issuer Fire Chief s. 2(d); s. 5
allowed conditions Permitted areas (Schedule A) with permit; no burning before 8:00 a.m., fires extinguished by 9:00 p.m.; material 15 m from combustibles; not rubber/oil/plastic s. 6(i); s. 6(c); s. 6(b)
fine range $100-$5,000; default imprisonment up to 30 days s. 7(1)
scout note

Regulates open-air burning within CBRM; consolidates former municipalities' burning bylaws. Passed and adopted by Council May 18 1999.

Machine-readable: open-burning.json · Official website: http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/ · Last verified 2026-09-27 · Open burning & fires across Nova Scotia · Open burning & fires in other municipalities