Burning Regulations
WHEN CAN YOU BURN?
Effective October 1, 2009 new regulations for burning take effect. Burning of yard waste ONLY will be permitted during daylight hours from October 1st to April 30th when the Environment Canada Ventilation Index is at a GOOD rating for Southern Vancouver Island.
Click here for the venting index from Environment Canada.
Burning of yard debris is permitted as follows:
Property Size |
Fire Size |
Up to 2 acres |
3’ high x 6’ wide x 6’ in length |
Over 2 acres and up to 5 acres |
One fire 6’ high x 6’ wide x 6’ in length or |
Over 5 acres |
One Fire 6’ high x 9’ wide x 9’ in length or |
Land clearing burning on properties larger than 10 acres is now permitted four times a year per property for a burn pile not to exceed 170 cubic metres (6000 cu. ft.).
A land clearing fire (Class A Fires) are only permitted on properties more than 10 acres in size, require a permit ($50.00 fee) and must be inspected by the fire department prior to lighting the fire and that the burn pile must comply with all of the requirements of the Environmental Management Act – Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.
The Provincial Waste Management Act and District of Sooke bylaws prohibit the burning of tires or other materials, such as household garbage, demolition waste, construction waste or materials, animal products including manure, biomedical waste, railway ties, fuel & paint products, etc.
Please contact the Fire Department 250-642-5422 for further information.
Click here for the amended Bylaw 292, Fire Protection Services Bylaw.