Burning Regulations / Permit Requirements

“Anyone who lights, fuels or makes use of an open fire must comply with

Environmental Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.”

http://bcwildfire.ca

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

Class B permit: Backyard burning permit ($5.00)

Requirements:

· 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:

1. Contrary to the terms of this Burning Permit or contrary to the bylaw rules printed on the reverse of this Burning Permit, or

2. 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,

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:

a. costs for materials such as foam for use in fire suppression and control;

b. costs for nourishment and sustenance of personnel engaged in fire suppression,

and

c. any legal or other cost incurred in enforcing this Cost Recovery Agreement.

OPEN BURNING REGULATIONS

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. All fires must be attended until extinguished and an adequate water supply is to be available on-site.

4. 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 Gas Station: 424 Fernhill Road (class B only)

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

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