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# Outdoor Burning
Open Burning within the municipal boundary is regulated by the **Town of Smithers Open Burning Bylaw No. 1155** which prohibits the burning of domestic waste, garden refuse, garbage, land clearing or noxious materials within the municipal limits of the Town of Smithers.
## Open Burning in your Backyard
Campfires **solely used** for the cooking of food using cured wood in proper fire pits are permitted within the Town of Smithers. All other Backyard Open Burning, including recreational campfires and bonfires, are not permitted within the municipal boundary of the Town of Smithers.
A campfire used for cooking purposes must not exceed the size of a **Category 1 Campfire** as defined in the Wildfire Regulation - no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
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## Fire Prohibitions
In general, the Town of Smithers adopts all fire prohibition orders ("Fire Bans") put in place by the Province. However, the Town may choose to implement or extend a fire prohibition order within the municipal boundary if it is deemed appropriate due to local conditions. For information on current fire prohibitions please contact **Smithers Fire Rescue** and/or visit **BC Wildfire Service's** Prevention webpage to learn more about **fire prohibitions and restrictions** in our region.
### Campfire Safety
* Before lighting a fire ensure that conditions are safe for burning **and** are likely to continue to be safe (i.e. watchout for windy conditions).
* Establish and maintain a fuel break around the campfire to prevent it from spreading to adjacent areas.
* Do not leave the fire unattended for **any** amount of time.
* Ensure that you have **at least** 8 litres of water or a garden hose available and appropriate hand tools to help you contain the fire should it escape.
* Ensure the fire is completely extinguished and cool to the touch before leaving the area.
## Open Burning Permits
The Town may issue Land Clearing Open Burning Permits where no practical alternatives exist and the burning of the material will not cause nuisance to or endanger the public and the material is not otherwise prohibited by regulation. Email [email protected] for more information.
## Prohibited Materials
In addition to the prohibited materials described by the Town of Smither Open Burning Bylaw 1155, all Open Burning must be caried out in accordance with the *Environmental Management Act* and its Waste Discharge Regulation. To learn more about these materials please review the **Prohibited Materials Fact Sheet** or the materials listed under **Schedule 1 of the Waste Discharge Regulation**.
## Open Burning in Rural and Remote Areas
Open Burning within rural areas, including within the **Smithers rural Fire Protection Area**, is regulated by the Province. If you are planning an Open Burn outside of the municipal boundary be sure to visit the BCWS **Open Fire and Safe Burning** webpage for information on how to comply with the necessary regulatory requirements established by the Province.
* Ensure there are no **Open Fire Prohibitions or Restrictions** put in place by the Province or a local government.
* Obtain a **Burn Registration Number** from the Province by calling 1-888-797-1717 or email [email protected]
+ A map of Registered Open Burns is available through the **Open Fire Tracking System** (OFTS)
* Comply with the **Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation**.
+ Determine the **Smoke Sensitivity Zone** and comply with the Open Burning rules for the zone.
- *View the Smithers Smoke Sensitivity Zone Mapsheet**.*
- *View the**Information for All Burners Factsheet* *and the**Information for Burning in a High Smoke Sensitivity Zone Factsheet**.*
+ Check the **Ventilation Index** forecast for the location of the Open Burning.