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

Open burning & fires — Metchosin, British Columbia: Fire Regulation and Prevention Bylaw No. 269, 1996 (consolidated for reference Sept 2018)

In the District Municipality of Metchosin, British Columbia, open burning & fires rules are set by Fire Regulation and Prevention Bylaw No. 269, 1996 (consolidated for reference Sept 2018), verified 2026-10-26. Fines: minimum $1,000 and maximum $10,000. A permit is required. Permit issuer: Fire Chief.

Fire Regulation and Prevention Bylaw No. 269, 1996 (consolidated for reference Sept 2018) adopted bylaw

permit required	yes	s. 25(b) "under the authorization and subject to the conditions of a valid and subsisting permit issued by the fire chief"
permit issuer	Fire Chief	s. 17(2) "The fire chief is authorized to issue a written permit"
allowed conditions	Residential burning of vegetative matter Oct 1–May 31, 6am–6pm, max 3 consecutive days, max 2m diameter, 20m from structures; campfires up to 0.6m diameter 6am–11:59pm in fire pit.	s. 23, s. 24
fine range	minimum $1,000 and maximum $10,000	s. 34(1) "minimum fines of $1,000 and a maximum fine of $10,000"

scout note

Open burning Part: residential burning Oct 1 to May 31, 6am-6pm, max 3 days, piles max 2 m, 20 m from structures, vegetative matter from own parcel; fire chief may suspend/refuse permits; beach fires and incinerators/burn barrels prohibited. Fine $1,000-$10,000.

Metchosin Burning Regulations page

Season Oct 1-May 31, 6am-6pm; backyard pile no permit; campfires max 0.6 m, no permit; large debris burns need written Fire Dept permit and venting index; current local prohibitions posted.