Smoke and burning regulations and bylaws

Last updated: July 24, 2023

There are many regulations and bylaws that govern outdoor burning including what can be burned, and when and where outdoor burning can take place. Almost all outdoor burning requires authorization.

Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation

This regulation sets the rules about outdoor burning. It provides regulation about what can be burned, and when and where burning takes place. The regulation is meant to encourage the reduction and reuse of vegetative debris from large outdoor fires that are usually set for land-clearing, construction or forestry operations.

• Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation

Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation

This regulation sets standards for wood stoves and other wood burning appliances sold in B.C.

• Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation

Local bylaws

Many local communities and regional districts have passed bylaws regulating open burning, campfires, beach fires, and backyard burning, as well as regulating the kinds of materials that may be burned.

• Inventory of Air Quality Bylaws in B.C. for Anti-Idling, Open Burning and Wood-Burning Appliances (2015) (PDF, 1MB)
• Review of Open Burning Bylaws on Vancouver Island (PDF)

Other acts and regulations

• Wildfire Act
• Wildfire Regulation
• Environmental Management Act
• ​Wood Residue Burner and Incinerator Regulation (beehive burners)