Open burning & fires — Highlands, British Columbia

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

In the District Municipality of Highlands, British Columbia, open burning & fires rules are set by Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025, verified 2026-10-26. Fines: not exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) plus the costs of prosecution. A permit is required. Permit issuer: Fire Chief.

Fire Control and Protection Bylaw No. 474, 2025 adopted bylaw
permit required yes s. 33(a)
permit issuer Fire Chief s. 33(a)
allowed conditions Fire Chief permit for brush/stumps/slash, dry garden refuse, pest control, training, cultural observances, special events; Ventilation Index 'good'; supervised; distance/smoke limits; residential charcoal/propane appliance on non-combustible base no permit. s. 33(d)-(h); s. 34; s. 35; s. 36
fine range not exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) plus the costs of prosecution s. 45(b)
scout note

Part 3 s.33: Fire Chief permit required for any open-air fire; permits for land-clearing debris, dry garden refuse, pest control, training, cultural and special events; garbage, treated wood, construction waste banned; burning only on a 'good' ventilation index; Fire Chief may order bans; charcoal/propane appliances exempt; 6 m setback for fires over 0.5 m3 (s.35).

Burning Permits

All outdoor fires incl. campfires need a free online permit year-round; no open season; campfire max 0.5m, open air to 1m auto-approved.

Find a Bylaw

Index page

Wood and Backyard Burning

Venting index must be GOOD to burn; refers to Bylaw 474.

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