2025-26 Burning Permit Application

Central Saanich Fire Department
1512 Keating Cross Road, Saanichton BC V8M 1W9
250-544-4238

Below are the general requirements for all Open Burning as per the revised Open Burning Regulation Bylaw 2058

Open fires will be limited to the winter burning season October 16 - May 15

Open fires require a permit from the fire department; the exception being Recreational Fires

Every reasonable alternative for reducing, reusing, or recycling the vegetative debris is to be used in order to minimize the amount of vegetative debris to be open burned;

Every reasonable effort shall be made to minimize any soil content that may be mixed in the with the vegetative debris

Burn piles are to be constructed in a way that maximizes airflow through the vegetative debris in the pile

Open Burning shall not start earlier than 1 hour after sunrise; and end by 4pm or 2 hours before sunset whichever later

The venting forecast for Domestic Yard Waste Fires and Agricultural Purpose Fires must be "Good" or "Fair" for the afternoon (4pm) prediction for Southern Vancouver Island on the day of the burn;

Please answer the following questions:

Are you familiar with the Venting Index requirements for Open Burning in Central Saanich?*

YesNo

The updated burning regulations have a more balanced approach of burning determined by the Provincial Ventilation Index. On days when the index is poor, smoke does not disperse well into the atmosphere causing poor air quality. You are looking for Southern Vancouver Island.

Open burning is permitted on any day when the Venting Index forecast is "Good" or "Fair."

Have you explored every reasonable alternative for reducing, reusing, or recycling the vegetative debris in order to minimize the amount of vegetative debris to be open burned?*

YesNo

Please see the Yard and Garden Materials information on the CRD's website

Please read the list below. Are you intending to burn any material in this list other than vegetative debris?*

YesNo

You are prohibited to burn any of these materials.

Contact the Fire Department for more information at 250.544-4238

Tires
Plastics
Drywall
Demolition waste / Construction waste
Household garbage
Paint
Hazardous waste
Tar paper
Treated lumber
Railway ties
Manure
Rubber
Asphalt
Asphalt products
Fuel and lubricant containers
Biomedical waste

What is the size of the pile that you wish to burn?*

One pile not larger than 1 meter x 1 meter (3ft x 3ft) - This is a Domestic Yard Waste FireOne to two piles each no larger than 2 meters high x 3 meters wide (6ft x 9ft) - This is a Agricultural Purpose FireThree or more piles each no larger than 2 meters high x 3 meters wide (6ft x 9ft) - This is a Category 3 Fire (Please contact the Fire Department)One or more piles greater than 2 meters high x 3 meters wide 6ft x 9ft) - This is a Category 3 Fire (Please contact the Fire Department)

Domestic Yard Waste Fire Permit

1. All of the solid vegetative material less than 3 cm (1") in diameter

2. Pile must be situated at least 7.5 meters (25ft) away from any building, structure, fence, property line, trees, bushes or other combustible materials.

3. Permit is valid October 16 - May 15

Agricultural Purpose Fire Permit

1. Open Burn will take place on ALR Land or Land that has Farm Status

2. The diameter of all of the solid vegetative material less than 10 cm (4")

3. Pile must be situated at least 15 meters (50ft) away from any building, structure, fence, property line, trees, bushes or other combustible materials.

4. Permit is valid October 16 - May 15

Category 3 Fire Permit

Category 3 Permits cannot be done on line. Please contact the Fire Fire Department for more information at 250.544-4238.

What type of Permit are you applying for?

Domestic Yard Waste Fire PermitAgricultural Purpose Fire Permit - I am ALRAgricultural Purpose Fire Permit - I am not ALR but I have Farm Status

Permit Authorization for Domestic Yard Waste or Agricultural Purpose

Date *

Date

Property owner or Legal representative:*

First NameLast Name

Property Address of Open Burn*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

Postal Code

On Site Contact Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

E-mail*

Please read the following carefully:*

By checking this box, I confirm I am either the property owner/Power of Attorney/Executor or Legal Representative of the above property addressBy checking this box, I confirm I understand the summarized requirements of the Central Saanich Open Air Burning Bylaw 2058By checking this box, I understand I am ultimately responsible for all open burning on the property, up to and including enforcement/cost recovery

Once you SUBMIT this form, you will receive by return email your approved permit, along with a PDF attachment outlining the rules & regulations for this permit.

If you do not receive it, please contact us so we may address the issue.

Any questions? Do not hesitate to call us at 250-544-4238.

Want to be informed of any fire bans or cancellations?

Check our website

Thanks You!

OPEN AIR BURNING PERMIT