Burning Regulations

All open air burning on Mayne Island requires a valid fire permit. Fire permits can be purchased from the Mayne Island Fire Hall during times when there are no fire bans in place. In addition to complying with Mayne Island Improvement District Bylaw No. 161 – Sections 40 – 51 (OPEN AIR FIRES – GENERAL PROVISIONS) and Section 52 (OPEN AIR FIRES – EXEMPTIONS), all open air fires must be in compliance with the following:

  • Click here to access Mayne Island Improvement District Bylaw No. 161
  • Click here to access the British Columbia Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.
  • Click here to access the British Columbia Environmental Management Act.

Below are some highlights from the Bylaw, Regulation, and Act as they apply to the different types of open air fires on Mayne Island.

Residential Open Burning

  • Residential fire permits (“Open Air Fire Permits”) are available from the fire hall at a cost of $10.00 and are valid for one year from the date purchased.
  • Residential fire permits allow for “Campfires” and/or “Category 2 Fires”.
  • Click here for Details on Fire Types from the Province of B.C.
  • Click here for a Guide on Campfires from the Province of B.C.
  • Click here for a Guide on Category 2 Open Fires from the Province of B.C.

Commercial Open Burning

  • Commercial fire permits (“Class A Permits”) are available from the fire hall at a cost of $30.00 and are valid for 30 days from the date purchased.
  • A site inspection may be required prior to a Class A permit being issued.
  • Commercial fire permits allow for “Category 3 Fires”.
  • No person shall burn land clearing debris, on any parcel of less than one (1) hectare (2.5 acres) (Category 3 as defined in the “BC Wildfire Regulation, Part 1”) within the boundaries of the Mayne Island Improvement District.
  • Click here for Details on Fire Types from the Province of B.C.
  • Click here for a Guide on Category 3 Fires from the Province of B.C.

All Open Burning

  • The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all open air fires when in his opinion, atmospheric conditions or circumstances may make such fires a hazard or a nuisance.
  • No person shall import material of any kind onto a property within the boundaries of the Mayne Island Improvement District for the purpose of disposal by burning without prior approval.
  • Open air burning is to be carried out by the property owner, property tenant, or property agent and that person will accept full liability as a result of the open air fire.
  • Open air fires are only permitted on private property. No fires are to be located on Crown Land, Regional District, Provincial or Federal Parks, public roads, public road allowance, unpaved roads, lanes or any alleyway, without prior approval of the authorized parties. (No Beach Fires on Mayne Island)
  • No open air fire will be permitted between July 1st through September 30th.
  • Click here for a Factsheet on Burning requirements from the Province of B.C. including a list of prohibited materials.