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*🔥 OPEN FIRE - METCHOSIN*
*Effective October 15, 2026*
*Metchosin Fire Department wishes to advise residents that the Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibition will be lifted effective 12:00 noon on October 15, 2026.*
*Beginning at noon on Thursday, October 15, residents may resume Category 2 and Category 3 open burning, provided all applicable provincial regulations, District bylaws, and safe-burning practices are followed.*
*Please remember:*
* *Never leave an open fire unattended.*
* *Avoid burning during windy conditions or when smoke may affect neighbouring properties or roadways.*
* *Ensure adequate water and firefighting equipment are readily available.*
* *Completely extinguish fires when burning is finished.*
* *Confirm that your planned burning activity complies with all applicable restrictions and requirements.*
***The lifting of this prohibition does not remove the responsibility of property owners to burn safely or comply with any other restrictions that may remain in effect.***
*Continue to exercise extreme caution with any permitted fire.*
*Report any uncontrolled or unattended fire to 911.*
*The safety of our community remains our priority. Metchosin Fire Department will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as local restrictions change.*
*Thank you for helping keep Metchosin safe.*
**September 10, 2026**
Metchosin Fire Department are advising residents that the **local prohibition on Category 1 fires is being rescinded**, effective **Friday September 11, 1200hrs**.
This decision reflects **changing local conditions and improved fire-weather conditions**, together with the recent rescindment of the Category 1 campfire prohibition by the Province across the Coastal Fire Centre.
**Category 1 fires permitted**
Residents may once again have **Category 1 campfires**, where otherwise permitted, subject to all applicable provincial and local requirements.
A Category 1 campfire is an open fire that:
* burns material in **one pile no larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width**; and
* is lit, fuelled or used for a recreational purpose.
**Fire safety remains essential**
The rescindment of the prohibition **does not mean that conditions are risk-free**. Residents are reminded that they remain responsible for ensuring that any fire is conducted safely and does not escape.
Anyone having a Category 1 fire must:
* Ensure the fire is safe and is likely to remain safe;
* Maintain a proper fuel break around the fire;
* Keep the fire under constant watch and have sufficient firefighting tools immediately available;
* Never leave a fire unattended;
* Fully extinguish the fire before leaving;
* Ensure the fire does not spread beyond the burn area.
Residents are also encouraged to **avoid having a campfire during windy conditions** and to maintain a clear area around the fire, including keeping fires well away from vegetation, structures and combustible debris.
**Other fire restrictions remain in effect**
This notice applies **only to Category 1 fires**.
Other provincial, regional or local fire restrictions remain in effect, including restrictions applicable to **Category 2 and Category 3 open fires**. Residents must confirm that the type of fire they intend to conduct is permitted before lighting it.
Fire conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of current conditions and follow any additional restrictions or directions issued by the District of Metchosin, Metchosin Fire Department or BC Wildfire Service.
**When in doubt, don't burn.**
For current provincial wildfire restrictions and information, visit the BC Wildfire Service website or use the BC Wildfire Service app.
**Metchosin Fire Department**
District of Metchosin
Residents are also reminded to:
* Properly dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials.
* Avoid parking vehicles or equipment on dry grass or vegetation.
* Use caution when operating equipment that may create sparks.
* Stay informed of current fire restrictions before conducting any outdoor burning.
Anyone who contravenes a fire prohibition may be subject to enforcement action, including fines and cost recovery for wildfire suppression.
**Reporting a Wildfire**
If you see smoke or an unattended wildfire, report it immediately by calling:
* **1-800-663-5555** (toll-free)
* **\*5555** from a cell phone
The current prohibition will remain in effect **until October 31, 2026, or until rescinded by the BC Wildfire Service**.
Thank you for doing your part to help protect our community, our neighbours, and our natural environment.
####
#### **Please follow these guidelines to help reduce the danger from fire and the discomfort from smoke in the community:**
1. Open burning is permitted from October 1st to May 31st only **(unless otherwise posted).**
2. Open burning is permitted from 6am to 6pm only. Fires must be completely extinguished by 6pm - no smoldering fires. No larger than 6ft in diameter.
3. *ONLY DRY LEAVES, TREE TRIMMINGS & RESIDENTIAL YARD DEBRIS ARE ACCEPTABLE BURNING MATERIALS - **UNDER 10CM IN DIAMETER***
4. The burning of any construction waste, demolition debris, wet garbage, food or household waste, plastic, rubber, asphalt shingles, or other similar material is prohibited.
5. Camp fires must be no larger than 2ft in diameter and must be fully extinguished by midnight.
#### **Please ensure:**
* A responsible person is in constant supervision of the fire
* A hose or water source is available at all times
* The fire is hot and only dry material is burned in order to avoid excessive smoke
* Do not ignite a fire in high wind conditions
* Do not use petroleum products to accelerate or sustain the fire
* Do not burn materials that have not originated from the property
### Specific Regulations
* #### Residential Backyard Burning - CLOSED
+ No larger than 3 meters in diameter
+ No permit required
+ May only burn dry leaves and yard waste under 10cm in diameter
+ Must have a hose or tools to control the fire
+ Must be 20 meters from any structure
+ Must be 10 meters from trees, fence or shrubs
+ Must be fully extinguished by 6pm
+ Limited to three consecutive days
+ No stumps
**Please note - small 'open burns' do not qualify as campfires. Campfires are for the specific purpose of cooking hot dogs / marshmallows**
* #### Campfires
+ No larger than .06 meter in diameter
+ Campfires must be in a designated fire pit or approved commercial appliance
+ No permit required
+ May only burn clean dry firewood - no construction material or pallets
+ Must be 6 meters away from any structure, timber, vegetative matter or flammable materials
+ Must have a hose or tool to control the fire
+ Must be fully extinguished with water by midnight
**FIRES ARE NOT PERMITTED** **ON ANY BEACH WITHIN THE DISTRICT OF METCHOSIN**
#### Burning of Large Diameter Debris <10CM - WITH PERMIT
VENTING INDEX: 1-888-281-2992 or click here to view online
+ Must comply with the 2019 BC Environment Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations NEW
+ Written permit required from the Metchosin Fire Department, must have copy on site
+ Venting Index must be 'good' the day of and 'fair' day after the scheduled burn
+ Maximum 2 consecutive days
+ Must be 500 meters from residences/1000m from schools - unless notification distributed
+ Debris must be 'seasoned' as defined by the Regulation NEW
+ No burning of stumps allowed NEW
+ Permits issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designate - and can be recalled at any time.