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

Open burning & fires — New Westminster, British Columbia: Fire Protection Bylaw No. 6940, 2004 (consolidated Sept 2025)

In the City of New Westminster, British Columbia, open burning & fires rules are set by Fire Protection Bylaw No. 6940, 2004 (consolidated Sept 2025), verified 2026-10-25. Fines: not less than two hundred ($200.00) Dollars and not more than the maximum penalties provided under the Offence Act. A permit is required. Permit issuer: Director of Fire and Rescue Services.

Fire Protection Bylaw No. 6940, 2004 (consolidated Sept 2025) adopted bylaw

permit required	yes	s. 25.3
permit issuer	Director of Fire and Rescue Services	s. 25.3
allowed conditions	Contained portable appliance/device used solely for cooking/preparing food, fueled by propane, natural gas or charcoal; camp fires only under permit.	s. 25.1; s. 25.3
fine range	not less than two hundred ($200.00) Dollars and not more than the maximum penalties provided under the Offence Act	s. 52

scout note

Section 25: all open-air fires banned except contained propane, natural gas or charcoal cooking appliances. Burning garden refuse, clippings, pruning and construction/land-clearing waste prohibited. Fire Rescue director may issue camp fire permits when safe. Fee to extinguish outdoor burning fire $211.