Can I have a backyard fire? Do I need a burn permit?
In the District Municipality of Sechelt, British Columbia, open burning & fires rules are set by District of Sechelt Open Air Burning Bylaw No. 486, 2012 (consolidated April 2026, incl. amendments 486-1, 486-2, 486-3), verified 2026-10-26. Fines: not more than $10,000.00. A permit is required. Permit issuer: Sechelt Fire Department.
District of Sechelt Open Air Burning Bylaw No. 486, 2012 (consolidated April 2026, incl. amendments 486-1, 486-2, 486-3)
adopted bylaw
permit required
yes
s. 3(2)(a)(i)
permit issuer
Sechelt Fire Department
s. 3(2)(a)(i)
allowed conditions
Land clearing waste burning until Jan 1, 2014 with valid Fire Department permit and Ventilation Index compliance; campfires <=1 m high/diameter in fire pit/approved incinerator, water hose, tended by 18+.
s. 3(2)(a); s. 3(5)(a)-(b)
fine range
not more than $10,000.00
s. 5(b)
scout note
Prohibits open air burning of toxic materials, garbage, construction and demolition waste and garden refuse; land clearing burns ended Jan 1, 2014. Campfires allowed in fire pit or incinerator, max 1 m high and wide, tended by adult 18+, with water hose (s.5); 10 m clearances.
Backyard Burning (District of Sechelt)
Campfire allowed when no ban in Sechelt or Coastal Fire Centre: dry clean wood, up to 1 m, in a fire pit or incinerator, no smoke nuisance, tended by 18+, hose on hand.