Burning in North Saanich

Campfire ban lifted in the Coastal Fire Region

The BC Wildfire Service is lifting the campfire prohibition for the Coastal Fire Centre starting at 12 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
 
Burning in North Saanich is only allowed with a permit, purchased from the North Saanich Fire Department.
 
Category 2 (backyard burning) and Category 3 (industrial burning) open fires remain prohibited, which includes bonfires, fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and air curtain burners.
 
View the full list of BC Wildfire open fire regulations.
 
For up-to-date information on wildfire activity and fire restrictions, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

Current Fire Prohibitions

Burning Season - CLOSED

The burning season is currently CLOSED.

Outdoor Fire Appliances

These appliances are used for cooking and quiet enjoyment, not for burning yard or household debris. Commonly used outdoor fire appliances include fire bowls, chimneys, outdoor fireplaces, and outdoor pizza ovens.

Read more about outdoor fire appliances.

The use of Outdoor Fire Appliances is subject to campfire bans in the Coastal Fire region - view current Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions at www.bcwildfire.ca

Dean Park Outdoor Burning Restriction

No burning is allowed in the Dean Park area located west of East Saanich Road, south of Forest Park Drive (both sides, including Texada Terrace) to the southern border of the District with the exception of outdoor appliances.

Interior (home) Heating

Devices that burn fuel to heat your home, like wood-burning stoves, fireplace inserts, and fireplaces, are not subject to restrictions. This is true even during province-wide campfire bans.

Burn Smart, Burn Clean

Outdoor burning has been allowed in North Saanich for many years as a way to manage excess green waste. However, there is a growing awareness about the impact of the smoke from outdoor burning on human health, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

You can help by choosing alternatives to burning. If you must burn, burn smart & clean.

Burn Better

If you are going to burn, please reduce the smoke from fires by:

  • Burning on good venting days only. View the B.C. venting index.
  • Burn hot: Ensure the fire has adequate oxygen.
  • Burn dry material. Do not burn leaves, green grass, construction waste or household items.

Alternatives to Burning

Burning information and resources:

For questions about outdoor burning contact: 250-656-1931 or firedepartment@northsaanich.ca.