Open Air Burning

Notice: To reduce the negative health impacts from particulate matter during the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council has shortened the Fall 2020 burning season to October 20 - November 20, 2020. Burning Permits are required and burning may only occur on days with a "good" ventilation index. 

Open Air Burning Bylaw

Key components of the City's Open Air Burning Regulation Bylaw include:

• Land clearing burning is prohibited.
• Open air burning is limited to 2 separate seasons per year (Apply online for your burning permit)
• March 1 to April 30 (March 1 - March 26 in 2020)
• October 1 to November 30 (October 20 - November 20 in 2020)
• Burning is only permitted when the Environment Canada ventilation index is good.  The current ventilation index is posted at the bottom of this webpage during the burning season.
• Burning pile size restrictions and minimum setbacks apply. 
• Burning is only permitted between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00pm.
• An adult must be present at all times during the burn.
• Burning restrictions do not apply to gas fueled appliances such as BBQ’s or outdoor heaters.
• Bylaw violations will result in fines ranging from $250 - $1000 per offence.

Additional information and requirements are available from the City of Chilliwack Fire Dept at 604.792.8713. You can also review bylaw "Open Air Burning Regulation Bylaw No. 3511" in the bylaw section of the website.

For information on alternatives to burning:

• Curbside Compostable Waste Collection
• Parr Road Green Depot

Provincial Requirements & Best Practices

In addition to the City’s Bylaw requirements, there are new, stricter provincial requirements that apply if you are burning material 10cm (4") in diameter or larger.  These include requiring larger setbacks from residences, schools and other buildings, etc. Please visit the BC Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation website for details.

Please also review the Ministry of Agriculture’s Open Burning Practices webpage for additional guidance on how to minimize smoke production while burning.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and BC Parks also provide information related open air burning on provincial land:

• Open Fire Bans
• Campfire Bans

Burning Permits Online

Apply for your burning permit online! Through our online system, your address will automatically determine if you are eligible for a permit in your area and only properties zoned for burning will be issued permits.

The spring burning season is March 1 - April 30 (March 1 - March 26 in 2020) and the fall burning season is October 1 - November 30 (October 20 - November 20 in 2020). Please visit www.mychilliwack.com or visit the front ticket window at City Hall to obtain your burning permit. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage everyone who can to apply for their permits online rather than in-person.

For additional information about applying for a burning permit, please call the Bylaw Department at 604.793.2908.

For any other burning season information or restrictions, please call the Fire Department at 604.792.8713.