Open burning is prohibited unless you obtain authorization from Metro Vancouver. Metro Vancouver authorizations do not replace a municipal burn permit. Contact your local fire department for information about how to obtain a municipal burn permit.
Choose one option to obtain Metro Vancouver authorization:
- Register under Metro Vancouver's
Open Burning Emission Regulation Bylaw No. 1355 using the
Open Burning Registration System.
Apply for an open burning approval under Metro Vancouver's Air Quality Management Bylaw No. 1082.
Find the right Metro Vancouver authorization
Can you get rid of your vegetative debris without burning?
Yes
Thank you for keeping our
air clean!
Does your municipal fire department allow burning?
Yes
Is the burn pile larger than a campfire (60 cm x 75 cm)?
No
Authorization is not required.
Alternatives to burning include:
- Chipping
- Grinding
- Shredding
- Reuse such as composting and mulching
Is the burn pile at least:
- 100 m from buildings on neighbouring properties?
- 500 m from the property lines of hospitals, schools or community care facilities?
No
Cannot burn.
Call us for options at
604-432-6237
How many piles do you want to burn at the same time?
1 or 2* burn piles max. 2 m x 3 m
Register under Bylaw 1355, if you meet
the requirements.
* Burning 2 piles requires increased distances
More than 2 burn piles 2 m x 3 m or larger
Apply for Bylaw 1082 open burning approval.
Registration and approval fees
| Authorization type | Agricultural | Commercial | Residential | Wildfire risk management |
|---|
Bylaw 1355
Initial Registration Fee |
Agricultural: $100 |
Commercial: $250 |
Residential: $50 |
Wildfire risk management: $50
|
Bylaw 1355
Renewal Fee |
Agricultural: $50 |
Commercial: $100
|
Residential: $25 |
Wildfire risk management: $25 |
Bylaw 1082
Open Burning Approval1 |
Agricultural: $100 |
Commercial: $1,000 |
Residential: $1,000 |
Wildfire risk management: $1,000 |
1Open Burning Approval fees are assessed on each approval.
Open burning registration system
Register below for burning under Bylaw 1355 using the Open Burning Registration System.
Call 604-432-OBER (6237) or
OBER@metrovancouver.org if you need help with the registration system.
Before you burn
- Reduce or eliminate burnable material
- Consider alternatives like chipping, grinding, shredding, composting, or mulching.
- Ensure your burn pile contains no
prohibited materials
- Obtain Metro Vancouver authorization
- Confirm your burn meets the
requirements of OBER or your approval.
- Notify your neighbors
- Use email, mail, phone, hand delivery, social media, or post a notice at the property line.
- Notify Metro Vancouver
- Check the
Ventilation Index before starting your burn to ensure burning is permitted
- Using an air curtain incinerator may allow additional burning days.
- Maintain a burn record
- Complete and keep an open burning record sheet to meet OBER requirements.
- Limit your burning frequency
- No more than 12 days (or portions of days) per year and 6 per month.
Purpose of open burning restrictions in Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver has mandate to protect human health and the environment. Smoke emissions from open burning of vegetative debris contain fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and other harmful substances. These air contaminants can affect health and the environment, and some contribute to climate change. Because of the population density in parts of Metro Vancouver, smoke emissions from open burning can impact many people. Within the region, open burning activities are authorized for certain times under specific conditions.
Bylaw 1355 provides a simpler and more efficient way to manage open-air burning of vegetative debris in cases where specified requirements are met, while protecting air quality and health.