Rules for open burning depend on whether you live inside the City of Courtenay or in the Courtenay Fire Protection District. Always check your location and follow the rules that apply to you.
Regulations inside the City of Courtenay
Open burning is not allowed at any time.
This includes all outdoor burning, such as:
- grass fires
- incinerator fires
- pit fires
- outdoor fireplaces and chimineas
- burning barrels
- forest and brush fires
- scrap wood fires
- running fires
- structure and building fires
- ground-thawing fires
- chattel fires
What is allowed: Outdoor cooking or heating appliances that use natural gas, propane or briquettes are permitted.
This ban is enforced under Fire Protective Services Bylaw No. 2556
Regulations outside the City — Courtenay Fire Protection District
Category 1 fires
Not allowed at any time. This includes small campfires.
Category 2 and Category 3 fires
Currently permitted under the Courtenay Fire Protection District By-Law No. 54.
- Category 2 fires:
- A permit is required as of April 1, 2026.
- One pile only — no larger than 1 metre high x 1 metre wide.
- No garbage, tires or construction debris.
- Daylight hours only.
- Category 3 fires:
- A permit is required year-round.
- One or more piles larger than 1 metre high or 1 metre wide.
- No garbage, tires or construction debris.
- Must follow the Open Burning Smoke Control regulations under the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
Applying for a permit
Contact the Courtenay Fire Department:
- Phone: 250 334 2513
- Email: fire@courtenay.ca