More topics

Custom ventilation forecast

Last updated on February 20, 2025

The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR) requires you to follow the daily ventilation forecast issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Areas within the forecast zone may have better ventilation conditions than the monitoring station's location. In this case, a custom ventilation forecast may be used in place of the daily forecast.

On this page

What is a custom ventilation forecast

A custom ventilation forecast predicts how smoke and other pollutants may spread in a specific area. It can be used in place of the daily ventilation forecast issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

For burning that's regulated by the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR), you need to have either:

  • The daily ventilation forecast issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada from the day of the burn or,

  • A custom ventilation forecast for the area where burning is planned

The ventilation conditions required to start or continue burning are described in the OBSCR All Burners Factsheet (PDF, 96KB).

Requirements for custom ventilation forecasts

For a custom ventilation forecast to be valid under OBSCR, it must be:

  • Provided by a custom ventilation forecaster
  • Submitted by email to the ministry at OBSCRCVF@gov.bc.ca 
  • Kept on-site for open burning of Category 3 pile burning (strongly suggested for Category 2 pile burning)

Questions about the program can be sent to OBSCR@gov.bc.ca.

Who can provide a custom ventilation forecast

Any person whose credentials meet the requirements laid out in the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation may provide a custom ventilation forecast.

A list of suggested forecasters is provided below. Contact them directly to employ their services:

The turnaround time for a request is 2 to 3 business days.

The above is not an exclusive list and other professionals may meet the criteria to be a custom ventilation forecaster. If you are such a professional and would like to be added to the above list, please email OBSCR@gov.bc.ca.​

Contact information

Questions about the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR) or custom ventilation forecasts? Email us:

OBSCR Inbox
OBSCR@gov.bc.ca