Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation
The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR) outlines the open burning rules. These rules make sure burning is done with minimal risk to human and environmental health, and minimizes smoke from open burning, especially where people live.
On this page:
- Before you burn
- Open burning rules based on zones
- Air Curtain incinerators
- Keeping records
- Resources
- Contact us
Before you burn
Before burning, you must explore every reasonable alternative including:
- Chipping
- Mulching
- Transporting your material to a green-waste recycling facility
You also need to minimize the amount of material to be burnt.
Find your smoke sensitivity zone
The Province is broken into three smoke sensitivity zones:
- High
- Medium
- Low
The open burning rules are based on these zones.
Before burning:
- Find out which Smoke Sensitivity Zone you live in
- Read Information for All Burners (PDF, 955KB)
Open burning rules based on zones
Read these zone and situation-specific factsheets to understand the open burning rules in your area.
Factsheets have information on:
- Seasonal burning start and end times
- Burning setbacks
- Ventilation index requirements
Zone specific rules
Choose the factsheet that applies to the zone where you live:
- High Smoke Sensitivity Zone (PDF, 190KB)
- Medium Smoke Sensitivity Zone (PDF, 204KB)
- Low Smoke Sensitivity Zone (PDF, 168KB)
Situation specific rules
For a local or Indigenous governments reducing vegetative debris to minimize wildfire risk:
For large amounts of diseased vegetation that you need to destroy by burning to prevent spread of pests or pathogens:
Air curtain incinerators
Regardless of your smoke sensitivity zone, if you are using an air curtain incinerator, follow these instructions:
- Air Curtain Incinerator Flowchart (PDF, 174KB)
- For guidance on using an air curtain incinerators
- Air Curtain Incinerator Factsheet (PDF, 140KB )
Keeping records
Use the Open Burning Record sheet (PDF, 78KB) if you need to create a record of your burn.
Contact us
For Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation questions, contact OBSCR@gov.bc.ca
For general air quality questions, contact B.C. Air Quality