Burning Regulations / Permit Requirements

A valid Burn Permit is required for all Open Air fires within the Mayne Island Fire Protection district.

Venting Information
Can I Burn? First, you must obtain a valid and appropriate Burning Permit from the Fire Department prior to lighting any outdoor fires on Mayne Island. Generally the burning season is from October 1st through June 30th - All outdoor fires are prohibited on Mayne Island From July 1st through to September 30th each year. The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation and its Code of Practice (Schedule B of the Regulation) are intended to reduce smoke, and encourage the reduction and reuse of vegetative debris from these operations whenever possible. However, even when burning is permitted there may still be local health impacts from smoke due to local meteorological and venting conditions.
Burning only on "fair" to "good" venting days is good practice and part of the Environment Canada Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.

	Before you light that fire today... Please check the Environment Canada Smoke Control Venting Index Forecast (our area is SRN VAN ISLD at the bottom of the page.)
	Or call the automated voice message available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: 1 888 281-2992
	press 2 for Vancouver Island Region

OR - If you would like more information on the smoke control forecast, call the automated voice message available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: 1 888 281-2992
	press 8 for the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations
	press 9 for information on how to use the Environment Canada Venting Forecasts

“Anyone who lights, fuels or makes use of an open fire must comply with Environmental Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.”

resources:

If there is conflict between Mayne Island Improvement District bylaw(s) and the Wildfire Act; the more stringent regulation(s) shall apply.

Mayne Island Improvement District Burn Permit Bylaw;
BURN PERMIT CATAGORIES
Class A permit: Land clearing burning permit ($25.00)
(all land clearing burning permits must be inspected by Fire Chief or his designate)
Requirements:
Machine operator on site at all times that the fire is burning
No burning within 100 meters of buildings
Permit in effect for a maximum of 4days only

Mayne Island Improvement District Burn Permit Bylaw;
BURN PERMIT CATAGORIES
Class B permit: Backyard burning permit ($5.00)
Requirements:	Max = 2m dia.
Working telephone
Water on site
Shovel
Pulaski or mattock
Responsible adult in constant attendance
No burning within 8 meters of buildings
No burning within 5 meters of other combustibles

Cost Recovery Agreement

I agree that by signing this permit I am bound to the following:
Every person who starts a fire, or permits a fire to be started:

Contrary to the terms of this Burning Permit or contrary to the bylaw rules printed on the reverse of this Burning Permit, or
In the opinion of the Fire Chief or his designate, that requires the Fire Department to control or extinguish such fire because it presents a hazard, has escaped or threatens to escape from control,
1. Is liable for all costs and expenses incurred by the Fire Department or the Improvement District to control or extinguish the fire (“Cost Recovery”). Cost Recovery rates shall follow the reimbursement rates of the BC Forest Service for personnel and equipment. Cost Recovery shall include:
  1. costs for materials such as foam for use in fire suppression and control;
  2. costs for nourishment and sustenance of personnel engaged in fire suppression, AND
  3. any legal or other cost incurred in enforcing this Cost Recovery Agreement.

OPEN BURNING REGULATIONS

All open burning on Mayne Island requires a permit issued by the Fire Chief or his or her agent. Failure to obtain a Burning Permit could result in being charged with the costs involved should a firefighting situation arise.
Anyone deemed to be in violation of any of these Regulations by the Fire Chief could have their permit cancelled and the fire extinguished, at their expense.
All fires must be attended until extinguished and an adequate water supply is to be available on-site.
Two categories of Burning Permit will be issued:

a. Backyard Burning Permits:

i. Incinerators with screens must be:

1. Eight (8) meters from buildings;

2. Five (5) meters from other combustibles, for example wooden fences, shrubbery, grass, etc., and

3. Adequately ventilated to reduce smoke.

ii. Open air fires must be:

1. hand piled;

2. less than two (2) meters in diameter;

3. eight (8) meters from buildings; and

4. five (5) meters from other combustibles, for example wooden fences, shrubbery, grass, etc.

b. Land-Clearing Waste Burning Permits:

i. Large machine-made piles must be:

1. One hundred (100) meters from all buildings and

2. piled to dry and only burnt when wind and weather conditions warrant.

5. Burning Material Restrictions: The following materials shall NOT be burnt, under any circumstances:

a. Tires;

b. Rubber;

c. Garbage;

d. Animal organic waste;

e. Plastic;

f. Drywall;

g. Paint;

h. Fibreglass;

i. Pressure treated lumber;

j. Asphalt product; or

k. Any materials that create a noxious odour.

All permit applications are subject to inspection prior to, during, and after issue of permit(s)

If there is conflict between Mayne Island Improvement District bylaw(s) and the Wildfire Act; the more stringent regulation(s) shall apply.

The Wildfire Act applies on both public (crown) and private land throughout BC.

Burning permits are available at the Fire Hall: 520A Felix Jack Road (class A & B permits)

Mayne Island Fire Rescue is open daily - 7 days/week, except holidays.

(Office hours vary – please call in advance 250 539 5156)