Outdoor Burning

Open Burning within the municipal boundary is regulated by the Town of Smithers Open Burning Bylaw No. 1155 which prohibits the burning of domestic waste, garden refuse, garbage, land clearing or noxious materials within the municipal limits of the Town of Smithers.

Open Burning in your Backyard

Campfires solely used for the cooking of food using cured wood in proper fire pits are permitted within the Town of Smithers. All other Backyard Open Burning, including recreational campfires and bonfires, are not permitted within the municipal boundary of the Town of Smithers. 

A campfire used for cooking purposes must not exceed the size of a Category 1 Campfire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation – no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

 

Fire Prohibitions

In general, the Town of Smithers adopts all fire prohibition orders (“Fire Bans”) put in place by the Province. However, the Town may choose to implement or extend a fire prohibition order within the municipal boundary if it is deemed appropriate due to local conditions. For information on current fire prohibitions please contact Smithers Fire Rescue and/or visit BC Wildfire Service’s Prevention webpage to learn more about fire prohibitions and restrictions in our region.

Campfire Safety

  • Before lighting a fire ensure that conditions are safe for burning and are likely to continue to be safe (i.e. watchout for windy conditions).
  • Establish and maintain a fuel break around the campfire to prevent it from spreading to adjacent areas.
  • Do not leave the fire unattended for any amount of time.
  • Ensure that you have at least 8 litres of water or a garden hose available and appropriate hand tools to help you contain the fire should it escape.
  • Ensure the fire is completely extinguished and cool to the touch before leaving the area.

Open Burning Permits

The Town may issue Land Clearing Open Burning Permits where no practical alternatives exist and the burning of the material will not cause nuisance to or endanger the public and the material is not otherwise prohibited by regulation. Email fire@smithers.ca for more information. 

Prohibited Materials

In addition to the prohibited materials described by the Town of Smither Open Burning Bylaw 1155, all Open Burning must be caried out in accordance with the Environmental Management Act and its Waste Discharge Regulation. To learn more about these materials please review the Prohibited Materials Fact Sheet or the materials listed under Schedule 1 of the Waste Discharge Regulation.

Open Burning in Rural and Remote Areas

Open Burning within rural areas, including within the Smithers rural Fire Protection Area, is regulated by the Province. If you are planning an Open Burn outside of the municipal boundary be sure to visit the BCWS Open Fire and Safe Burning webpage for information on how to comply with the necessary regulatory requirements established by the Province.