Illegal burning
Last updated on May 15, 2024Learn more about when open burning may be legal or illegal for your area. If you suspect illegal burning of vegetative debris, review the reporting violations section below.
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What to do if you suspect illegal burning
The B.C. government encourages the public to report any activity that may cause pollution, including illegal open burning.
The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation prohibits illegal open burning, and reporting activities that cause pollution helps mitigate harm to the environment and public health.
Reporting violations
Municipal backyard burning
Almost all B.C. municipalities and several regional districts in B.C. regulate open burning.
Backyard burning includes open burning of leaves, twigs and branches less than 10 cm. Materials larger than 10 cm are also regulated under the provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.
Contact your local government or fire department for questions or concerns related to open burning in your community.
For open burning and other air quality concerns within the Metro Vancouver Regional District, submit a complaint form with the regional district.
Provincial
Provincially open burning is regulated by the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.
You can report known or suspected violations of outdoor burning regulations to the Report All Polluters and Poachers line (RAPP) at 1-877-952-7277 or visit the RAPP website. You have the option to remain anonymous or provide your contact details when reporting a violation to RAPP.
When contacting the RAPP line, please provide the following details about the violation:
- Location,
- Time and date,
- Type of violation you suspect (see chart below for a general guide), and
- Person you suspect of the violation.
Backyard burning exemptions
Burning small debris less than 10 cm in diameter is exempt from certain Open Burn Smoke Control Regulation requirements, such as:
- Ventilation index
- Setbacks
- Time of day
These burns are still subject to burn bans issued under the regulation or by the BC Wildfire Service. They cannot include items listed in the Prohibited Materials Burning Factsheet (PDF, 103KB).
For more information, visit the backyard burning web page.
| What did you see? | Does it break any rules? |
|---|---|
| An open burn close to your home |
An open burn must be at least 100 m from neighbouring homes and businesses. Larger setbacks apply in some cases. Call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 if you see an open burn closer than these distances. |
| An open burn during extreme heat conditions in summer |
Burn bans come into effect for areas impacted by dry conditions. Open burn in areas with fire bans and restrictions should be reported to the RAPP line by calling 1-877-952-7277. Local governments and fire departments may also issue fire bans. Report violations of wildfire regulations in B.C. by calling 1-800-663-5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cell phone. |
| An open burn with a putrid smell or containing garbage or rubber |
The Prohibited Materials Burning Factsheet (PDF, 103KB) lists items such as demolition materials, domestic garbage, plastic and tires, which are illegal to add to an open burn. If you see prohibited materials in an open burn, call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. |
| Lots of smoke hanging low over an area and it's not moving |
Starting open burning during poor or fair ventilation is prohibited since it can cause smoke to build up in an area. If ventilation conditions were fair or poor when the open burning began, call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. |