Open burning & fires — Esquimalt, British Columbia

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

In the District Municipality of Esquimalt, British Columbia, open burning & fires rules are set by Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2783, 2011 (consolidated Feb 2025), verified 2026-10-26. Fines: Up to $2000/day; Evacuation Order: Individual up to $25,000, Corporation up to $50,000. A permit is required. Permit issuer: Fire Chief.

Fire Protection and Control Bylaw No. 2783, 2011 (consolidated Feb 2025) adopted bylaw
permit required yes s. 38(1)
permit issuer Fire Chief s. 38(1)
allowed conditions Permit may be issued for disease/pest control, fire suppression training, ethnic/cultural observances, special events; residential charcoal/natural gas/propane appliances allowed without permit on firm non-combustible base; municipal/Fire Department training exempt. s. 38(4); s. 38(6); s. 38(7)
fine range Up to $2000/day; Evacuation Order: Individual up to $25,000, Corporation up to $50,000 Schedule "A" (14)-(15)
scout note

Part 3 Control of Burning s.38: no open-air fire of any kind without a permit from the Fire Chief; burning construction/demolition waste and listed materials prohibited; propane/natural gas residential appliances exempt; fires 6 m from buildings (s.40).

Fire bylaws and permits

Lists Fire Protection and Control Bylaw 2783 and the Outdoor Burning Permit and information brochure.

Machine-readable: open-burning.json · Official website: http://www.esquimalt.ca/ · Last verified 2026-10-26 · Open burning & fires across British Columbia · Open burning & fires in other municipalities