Can I have a backyard fire? Do I need a burn permit?
In the Town of Smithers, British Columbia, open burning & fires rules are set by Town of Smithers Open Burning Bylaw No. 1155, 1996, verified 2026-10-26. Fines: Fine not exceeding $2,000; burning without permit $300; failure to display permit $25; burning prohibited material $500; permit violation minimum $500. A permit is required. Permit issuer: Fire Chief.
Town of Smithers Open Burning Bylaw No. 1155, 1996
adopted bylaw
permit required
yes
s. 2.2(a)
permit issuer
Fire Chief
s. 3.2
allowed conditions
Land clearing waste only, with permit displayed; dry combustible refuse; ventilation index good; daylight hours; person 19+ with tools and water.
s. 2.2(a)-(b); Schedule "B"
fine range
Fine not exceeding $2,000; burning without permit $300; failure to display permit $25; burning prohibited material $500; permit violation minimum $500.
s. 7.2; Schedule "A"
scout note
Smithers bans open burning of garden refuse, household waste, garbage and noxious materials (s.2.1). Land-clearing waste may be burned only with a Fire Chief permit ($50) during daylight with a 'good' ventilation index. Campfires of cured wood used only for cooking are not 'open burning'. Fines: $300 for burning without a permit, $500 for prohibited material; up to $2,000 on
Town of Smithers - All Fire Related Bylaws (bylaw library folder)
CivicWeb folder listing Smithers fire-related bylaws including Open Burning Bylaw 1155.
Town of Smithers - Outdoor Burning (Fire Rescue Services)
Backyard campfires only for cooking food with cured wood in fire pits (max 0.5 m x 0.5 m); other backyard burning, recreational campfires and bonfires not permitted. Land Clearing Open Burning Permits from [email protected]. Provincial fire bans adopted; Bylaw 1155 prohibited materials.