There are currently no open fire prohibitions for Category 1 (campfire), Category 2 (backyard), and Category 3 (industrial), within the BC Coastal Fire Jurisdiction.

While the fire risk is decreased at present, residents are urged to exercise caution when using open fires and to ensure safe and responsible burning practices in compliance with regulations.

Before lighting any open fires, it is essential to check the venting index, and adhere to any specific guidelines or restrictions provided:  Ventilation Index - BC Air Quality - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Check out this great tool updated by the RDN.  It shows all the local fire departments with links to their websites, contact info, the venting index, burning bylaw, and bans:

Open burning - or burning outdoors - is allowed when the wildfire risk is low, however, there are important rules and regulations to follow for campfires to burn piles.  Before starting any fire on your property, check to see that it complies with our municipal bylaws and provincial regulations. 

REMEMBER:

• NO OUTDOOR FIRES ARE PERMITTED DURING A TOTAL FIRE BAN.
• BURNING OF NON-WOOD MATERIAL IS PROHIBITED.

We live in an area considered a "high smoke sensitivity zone" and any outdoor burning requires us to follow the Venting Index.  The Venting Index reflects the potential of the atmosphere to disperse smoke and other pollutants. The Ventilation Index ranges from 0 to 100, as summarized in this table: 

The Venting Index must register as "GOOD" (55-100) in order to burn.  "GOOD" means the smoke is more likely to disperse; "POOR" indicates that the pollution is more likely to hang or drop to lower elevations.   It is the combination of ventilation forecast and smoke sensitivity zone at your location that determines if you can burn and for how long.

An automated telephone service that provides information about the ventilation index can be reached by dialing 1-888-281-2992 (toll-free).  

Click on the link below to find out today's Venting Index, our area is listed as: CNTRL VAN ISLD

A permit is required when burning a pile larger than 10' x 10'. 

To obtain a Burn Registration Number in advance of your fire, call 1-888-797-1717 (toll-free).

Have a question about burning in the Bowser, Qualicum Bay, Spider Lake & Horne Lake area's? 

Call BOW HORN BAY FIRE DEPARTMENT on 250-757-9433.  We are here to help!