{"title":"Hope backyard fire and burning rules","question":"Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Hope?","slug":"backyard-fire","place":{"path":"ca/bc/hope","name":"Hope","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":"District of Hope","url":"https://www.hope.ca"},"short_answer":"In Hope, dry garden and yard refuse may be burned without a permit only during a two-week period each Spring and Fall set by Council. Small firepits for warmth or cooking, built to the bylaw's diagram, need no permit. A $200 permit is only for lot clearing and commercial or industrial cleanup.","aliases":["backyard burning hope bc","fire pit rules hope","burn permit hope","open burning hope","campfire hope bc"],"cost":"Spring and Fall residential burning and small firepits: no permit. Lot-clearing or commercial or industrial cleanup burn permit: $200, valid 72 hours. Fine: bylaw notice $500 ($400 if paid within 14 days); municipal ticket $1,000; in court $100 to $2,000 per offence.","how_long":"A permit is valid 72 hours.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Fire Department","value":"604-869-5671"},{"type":"email","label":"Fire Department","value":"fire@hope.ca"},{"type":"online","label":"Burning Permit page","value":"https://hope.ca/burning-permit"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Burning Permit, District of Hope","url":"https://hope.ca/burning-permit"},{"title":"Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF)","url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf"},{"title":"Application Packages","url":"https://hope.ca/application-packages"}],"related":[{"slug":"fireworks","title":"Hope fireworks rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/fireworks/"},{"slug":"yard-waste","title":"Hope yard waste collection and drop-off","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/yard-waste/"},{"slug":"noise-rules","title":"Hope noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/noise-rules/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Hope bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/kent","name":"Kent","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/harrison-hot-springs","name":"Harrison Hot Springs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/harrison-hot-springs/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chilliwack","name":"Chilliwack","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/princeton","name":"Princeton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/abbotsford","name":"Abbotsford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/backyard-fire/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mission","name":"Mission","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/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":"Small firepits used for warmth or cooking, burning seasoned wood and built as shown in the bylaw's Schedule G diagram, need no permit. Barbecues and other propane, natural gas or charcoal cookers are also exempt. The Fire Chief can still prohibit any outdoor fire.","short":"Yes, no permit, built to bylaw diagram","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"s. 404(1)","quotes":["small firepits used for warmth or the preparation of food using seasoned wood","fuel and described in Schedule “G” attached to and forming part of this Bylaw."]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"s. 401(1)","quotes":["The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all types of outdoor fires"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"open_burning":{"label":"Burning yard waste","value":"Dry garden and yard refuse (small prunings, vegetable garden refuse) may be burned only during a two-week period each Spring and Fall set by Council, dawn to dusk, on private property, with no permit. Pile no larger than 1 m by 1 m and 1.5 m high; at least 4 m from any log, stump or standing tree; at least 15 m from slash, flammable debris or any structure; attended by an adult; water and a shovel on hand. No tires, plastics, household garbage or anything giving heavy black smoke.","short":"Yes, no permit, two weeks each Spring and Fall","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"s. 402(1)","quotes":["Open burning of dry garden and yard refuse is allowed for a two (2) week period in","the Spring and Fall each year, with such burning periods to be established by"]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"Schedule E, s. 2","quotes":["the piles of materials to be burned shall not be larger than 1 meter by 1 meter","and shall not be more than 1.5 meters high;","the fire shall be not less than 4 meters from any log, stumps, snag or standing","the fire shall be at least 15 meters from any slash, other flammable debris or"]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/burning-permit","title":"Burning Permit, District of Hope","section":"Before You Conduct Your Burn","quotes":["Will the fire be at least 15 metres from any structure?"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"permit":{"label":"Permit","value":"A $200 permit valid for 72 hours is required for lot-clearing burns for development and for yard cleanup in commercial or industrial areas, with at least 15 days smoke-free between burns on the same property. The District's page says to get a burn registration number from the Province, apply to the District and pay $200 on approval, check that the Venting Index is Good, and notify the Fire Department before lighting. No permit is needed for the Spring and Fall residential period.","short":"$200 for lot-clearing burns","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"s. 403(1)","quotes":["Burning for lot clearing for development, and burning for the purpose of yard clean up","A fee of $200.00 is to be paid to the District for each permit issued.","shall be a smoke free period of at least 15 days between burns on the same property."]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/burning-permit","title":"Burning Permit, District of Hope","section":"Summary of Burning Permit Process","quotes":["Burning permits cost $200 and are valid for 72 hours.","Obtain a burn registration number from the Province of British Columbia.","Notify the Fire Department before ignition."]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"s. 402(1)","quotes":["Permits for this type of residential","burning are not required."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fire_bans":{"label":"Fire bans","value":"The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all outdoor fires when conditions make them a hazard or nuisance (call the Fire Department, 604-869-5671). Provincial BC Wildfire Service orders usually do not apply inside municipal boundaries; the Venting Index must be Good for permit burns.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"s. 401(1)","quotes":["The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all types of outdoor fires when, in his opinion,"]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/burning-permit","title":"Burning Permit, District of Hope","section":"Burn Day Checklist","quotes":["Check Venting Index – must be rated “Good”"]},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions","title":"Fire bans and restrictions, BC Wildfire Service","section":"Where BC Wildfire Service orders apply","quotes":["Typically, BCWS open fire prohibition and equipment/activity prohibition orders will specify that they do not apply within municipal boundaries, with certain exceptions."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"alternatives":{"label":"Instead of burning","value":"Yard waste (grass, leaves, branches, small tree trimmings) goes in the organics cart collected at the curb. Larger material can go to the District Transfer Station (green waste $85 per 1,000 kg, minimum fee $12.50).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://hope.ca/waste-management","title":"Waste Management, District of Hope","section":"Frequently Asked Questions","quotes":["Yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves, weeds, flowers, bark mulch, branches, and small tree trimmings."]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86974/Fees_Charges_Bylaw","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1363, 2015, District of Hope","section":"Schedule L, Transfer Station - Self Haul","quotes":["Minimum Fee for all Waste Categories $12.50","$85.00/1,000 kg"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $500 ($400 if paid within 14 days; $100 surcharge after 28 days). Municipal ticket: $1,000. In court, $100 to $2,000 per offence.","short":"Notice $500 ($400 if paid in 14 days); ticket $1,000","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136112/1627%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1627, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"Schedule A (BNE Bylaw No. 1627, 2026)","quotes":["District of Hope Volunteer Fire Department","Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations","$500.00 $400.00 $100.00 Yes"]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136113/1628%20-%20Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1628, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"Schedule A (MTI Bylaw No. 1628, 2026)","quotes":["District of Hope Volunteer Fire Department","Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw"]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"s. 801(2)","quotes":["not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than two thousand dollars","($2,000.00) for each infraction or offense"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"District of Hope Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (the District's burning permit page calls it the Fire Services Bylaw)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"Title page","quotes":["BYLAW No. 1006, 1998"]},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136112/1627%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1627, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope","section":"Schedule A (BNE Bylaw No. 1627, 2026)","quotes":["District of Hope Volunteer Fire Department","Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations","$500.00 $400.00 $100.00 Yes"]}],"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\nIn Hope, the [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006](<https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf>) (the District's burning permit page calls it the Fire Services Bylaw) allows three things without a permit:\n\n- **Small firepits** for warmth or cooking, burning seasoned wood and built as shown in the bylaw's Schedule G diagram. Schedule G is a drawing with no text, so the size limits could not be read. Barbecues and propane, natural gas or charcoal cookers are also exempt.\n- **Dry garden and yard refuse** (small prunings, vegetable garden refuse) during a two-week period each Spring and Fall, set by Council. Burn from dawn to dusk on private property.\n- A **$200 permit** (valid 72 hours) is required only for lot-clearing burns for development and for yard cleanup in commercial or industrial areas. There must be at least 15 days smoke-free between burns on the same property.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Spring and Fall burn rules: pile no larger than 1 m by 1 m and 1.5 m high; at least 4 m from any log, stump or standing tree; at least 15 m from slash, flammable debris or any structure. An adult must attend, with water and a shovel on hand. No tires, plastics, household garbage or anything giving heavy black smoke.\n2. For a $200 permit: get a burn registration number from the Province, apply to the District through its Application Packages page, and pay $200 on approval. The Venting Index must be Good. Notify the Fire Department before lighting.\n3. Questions: Fire Department, 604-869-5671, fire@hope.ca.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The dates change each year and are advertised. Ask the Fire Department for the current period.\n- The Fire Chief can prohibit any or all outdoor fires when conditions make them a hazard or nuisance. The District's pages do not name a place to check for a current ban, so call the Fire Department. Provincial BC Wildfire Service orders usually do not apply inside municipal boundaries.\n- Instead of burning, yard waste goes in the organics cart. Larger material can go to the District Transfer Station (green waste $85 per 1,000 kg, minimum fee $12.50).\n- A bylaw notice is $500 ($400 if paid within 14 days); a municipal ticket is $1,000. In court, $100 to $2,000 per offence.","sources":[{"url":"https://hope.ca/burning-permit","title":"Burning Permit, District of Hope","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86970/dcd591FireBylaw_jAAFix.pdf","title":"Volunteer Fire Department Establishment, and Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 1006, 1998 (PDF), District of Hope","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://hope.ca/application-packages","title":"Permits, Licences & Applications, District of Hope","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://hope.ca/waste-management","title":"Waste Management, District of Hope","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions","title":"Fire bans and restrictions, BC Wildfire Service","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86974/Fees_Charges_Bylaw","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1363, 2015, District of Hope","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136112/1627%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1627, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136113/1628%20-%20Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1628, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope","accessed":"2026-11-06"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-06","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/hope/backyard-fire/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/backyard-fire.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/backyard-fire.json"}}