{"title":"Coquitlam backyard fire and burning rules","question":"Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste?","slug":"backyard-fire","place":{"path":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"bylaws-and-complaints","name":"Bylaws, noise and complaints"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Coquitlam","url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca"},"short_answer":"No. In Coquitlam, fires of any kind in the open air are banned at all times, including campfires, fire pits and burning yard waste. The exception is a fire in a portable appliance made and used solely for cooking food (propane, natural gas or charcoal). Only Agricultural Land Reserve land can get a permit.","aliases":["fire pit coquitlam","campfire coquitlam","burning permit coquitlam","open air burning coquitlam","burn leaves coquitlam"],"cost":"Burning permit (Agricultural Land Reserve land only) $26.20. Open air burning: bylaw notice $150 ($100 if paid within 14 days); municipal ticket $1,000.","how_long":"Permits are issued only March 1 to May 31 and September 1 to November 30.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Emergency (report a fire)","value":"9-1-1"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Open Air Burning page","url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/261/Open-Air-Burning"},{"title":"Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw 3712, 2005 (PDF)","url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356"},{"title":"Fire and Rescue Fees and Charges","url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/227/Fire-and-Rescue---Fees-and-Charges"}],"related":[{"slug":"yard-waste","title":"Coquitlam yard waste collection and drop-off","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/yard-waste/"},{"slug":"fireworks","title":"Coquitlam fireworks rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/fireworks/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Coquitlam bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-moody","name":"Port Moody","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/belcarra","name":"Belcarra","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/anmore","name":"Anmore","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/backyard-fire/"}],"topic":{"title":"Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire/"},"facts":{"campfires":{"label":"Backyard campfires","value":"No. Fires of any kind in the open air are banned at all times, except a fire contained in a portable appliance designed for and used solely for cooking food and fuelled by propane, natural gas or charcoal. A certified outdoor heater is not counted as an open air fire. Campfires and outdoor burning are not permitted in City parks.","short":"No","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356","title":"Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","section":"s. 8.1, 8.3(d)","quotes":["any fire of any kind whatsoever and for any purpose in the open air","located in the open air, except where the fire is contained within a portable appliance or device that has been specifically designed and is used solely for the cooking and preparation of food and that is fueled by propane, natural gas or charcoal.","the operation of any appliance specifically designed as an outdoor heater provided","that such appliance is certified by an accredited certification body recognized and"]},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/277/Summer-Fire-Safety","title":"Summer Fire Safety, City of Coquitlam","section":"Outdoor Burning, Park Events and Barbeques","quotes":["Outdoor burning and campfires are not permitted in City parks."]},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/261/Open-Air-Burning","title":"Open Air Burning, City of Coquitlam","section":"General Outdoor Burning Restrictions","quotes":["Coquitlam does not permit outdoor burning including burning of grass clippings, branches or other waste, as well as the use of many outdoor appliances."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"open_burning":{"label":"Burning yard waste","value":"Not allowed. Burning garden refuse (grass, leaves, pruning), land-clearing material (stumps, branches) and construction waste is prohibited. The only exception is a Fire Chief permit for land in the Agricultural Land Reserve, issued only for March 1 to May 31 and September 1 to November 30. Businesses and agricultural landowners also need Metro Vancouver's open burning approval.","short":"No, except ALR land with a Fire Chief permit","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356","title":"Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","section":"s. 8.2, 8.6","quotes":["garden refuse, including, without limitation, grass clippings, leaves, tree and","land clearing materials, including, without limitation, stumps and branches;","waste or remainder materials from construction sites; is prohibited.","The Fire Chief may only issue a permit under section 8.4 where the land on which the burning will be conducted is within the Agricultural Land Reserve.","between March 1 through May 31 and","from September 1 through November 30 annually."]},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/261/Open-Air-Burning","title":"Open Air Burning, City of Coquitlam","section":"Metro Vancouver Requirements","quotes":["all industry, trades, businesses and agricultural landowners are required to apply to Metro Vancouver for an Open Burning Approval (PDF) prior to conducting an open burn."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"A burning permit from the Fire Chief is possible only for land in the Agricultural Land Reserve, in the March 1 to May 31 and September 1 to November 30 windows. On private property the applicant must be a registered owner or have written authorization from one. Fee: $26.20 per permit. The Fire Chief may add conditions and revoke it at any time.","short":"Yes, ALR land only; $26.20","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356","title":"Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","section":"s. 8.4-8.8","quotes":["The Fire Chief will not issue a permit pursuant to section 8.4 for private property unless a","registered owner of such property is the person seeking the permit or the permit applicant","The Fire Chief may revoke a permit issued under section 8.4 at any time and for any","impose any and all conditions which he or she deems necessary to provide for the protection of persons and"]},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6285879","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5484, 2025 (Schedule D), City of Coquitlam","section":"Schedule G, Fire/Rescue Department Fees & Charges","quotes":["8.8 Burning permit - fee per permit $ 26.20"]},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/261/Open-Air-Burning","title":"Open Air Burning, City of Coquitlam","section":"Burning on Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Designated Properties","quotes":["Burning permits will only be issued during the periods of March 1 through May 31 and September 1 through November 30 during the year."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fire_bans":{"label":"Fire bans","value":"Open burning is already banned year-round. When the fire-risk rating has been \"extreme\" for more than three consecutive days, the Fire Chief may impose a barbeque ban in the city, and barbeques in public places may need a permit during extreme fire danger. The Fire Chief can also close forest areas by written order. The City's Summer Fire Safety page shows the current fire-risk rating.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/277/Summer-Fire-Safety","title":"Summer Fire Safety, City of Coquitlam","section":"Fire-risk Rating; Outdoor Burning, Park Events and Barbeques","quotes":["the Fire Chief may implement a barbeque ban in the city.","keep an eye on and be aware of the local fire-risk rating"]},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/261/Open-Air-Burning","title":"Open Air Burning, City of Coquitlam","section":"Barbeques","quotes":["During periods of extreme fire danger, the use of BBQs in public places may be restricted and a permit may be required for use."]},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356","title":"Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","section":"s. 15","quotes":["the Fire Chief may, by an order in writing signed by him, declare that area or any portion thereof as a closed area"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"alternatives":{"label":"Instead of burning","value":"Put yard trimmings in the Green Cart (collected weekly). For six weeks each spring and fall the City collects extra yard trimmings on your regular collection day. Coquitlam residents can also drop off yard trimmings and food waste free, year-round, at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre (995 United Boulevard) with proof of residency.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/161/Green-Carts","title":"Green Carts, City of Coquitlam","section":"What to do with Extra Yard Waste","quotes":["Seasonal Unlimited Yard Trimmings Collection - 6 weeks every spring and 6 weeks every fall the City will collect additional yard waste on your regular collection day.","Coquitlam residents can drop off residential quantities of yard trimmings and food waste for free, year-round.","Leaves and grass clippings"]},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/160/Extra-Yard-Waste-and-Trimmings","title":"Extra Yard Waste and Trimmings, City of Coquitlam","section":"United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre","quotes":["Residents must show a valid driver’s license or a current utility, property tax, electrical or gas bill, to confirm proof of Coquitlam residency."]},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6025031","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 4679, 2016","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["plus collection and removal of green waste on a weekly basis"]},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/165/Recycling","title":"Recycling, City of Coquitlam","section":"United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre","quotes":["Located at 995 United Boulevard"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $150 ($100 if paid within 14 days) for open air burning or breaking a burning permit condition. Municipal ticket: $1,000.","short":"Notice $150 ($100 if paid in 14 days); ticket $1,000","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303017","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3749, 2006 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","section":"Schedule A, Fire Prevention & Life Safety Bylaw","quotes":["Open air burning 8.1 100 150 n/a","Breach of permit condition (open 8.4 100 150"]},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303001","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 4320, 2012 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","section":"Schedule B-8","quotes":["Open air burning 8.1 1000"]},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/261/Open-Air-Burning","title":"Open Air Burning, City of Coquitlam","section":"General Outdoor Burning Restrictions","quotes":["Failure to adhere to the open air burning restrictions is an offence and subject to a $100 fine."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (s. 8, Open Air Burning)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356","title":"Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","section":"s. 8","quotes":["8. Open Air Burning","BYLAW NO. 3712, 2005"]},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303017","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3749, 2006 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Fire Prevention & Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw 3712](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356) bans any fire of any kind, for any purpose, in the open air. That includes burning garden refuse (grass, leaves, pruning), land-clearing material (stumps, branches) and construction waste. A certified outdoor heater is not counted as an open air fire. Campfires and outdoor burning are also not permitted in City parks.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Put yard trimmings in the Green Cart (collected weekly) instead of burning them; see the yard waste answer for drop-off options.\n2. For cooking outdoors, use only a portable appliance designed for and used solely for cooking food, fuelled by propane, natural gas or charcoal.\n3. If your land is in the Agricultural Land Reserve, ask Coquitlam Fire/Rescue (the Fire Chief) for a burning permit. You must be a registered owner or have an owner's written authorization. The Fire Chief may add conditions and revoke it at any time.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Businesses and agricultural landowners must also apply to Metro Vancouver for an Open Burning Approval. Metro Vancouver's ventilation index line for zone 3 is 604-436-6777.\n- During extreme fire danger (more than three consecutive days rated \"extreme\"), the Fire Chief may ban barbeques in the city, and barbeques in public places may need a permit. Check the City's Summer Fire Safety page for the current fire-risk rating.\n- Special fires approved in advance in writing by the Fire Chief are excluded from the ban.\n- Report a fire or smoke by calling 9-1-1.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/261/Open-Air-Burning","title":"Open Air Burning, City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356","title":"Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/227/Fire-and-Rescue---Fees-and-Charges","title":"Fire and Rescue Fees and Charges, City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/277/Summer-Fire-Safety","title":"Summer Fire Safety, City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/161/Green-Carts","title":"Green Carts, City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303017","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3749, 2006 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303001","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 4320, 2012 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6285879","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5484, 2025 (Schedule D), City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/160/Extra-Yard-Waste-and-Trimmings","title":"Extra Yard Waste and Trimmings, City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6025031","title":"Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 4679, 2016","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.coquitlam.ca/165/Recycling","title":"Recycling, City of Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/backyard-fire/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/backyard-fire.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/backyard-fire.json"}}