---
title: Mackenzie backyard fire and burning rules
question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Mackenzie?"
place: Mackenzie, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/mackenzie
category: Bylaws, noise and complaints
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Mackenzie
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/backyard-fire/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/backyard-fire.json"
---

# Mackenzie backyard fire and burning rules

**Question:** Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Mackenzie?

**Short answer:** In Mackenzie, a backyard campfire needs a Recreational Fire Permit from the Fire Department, and burning yard waste needs a burning permit. No burning is allowed when the forestry hazard is high or extreme. Apply online through Let's Chat Mackenzie.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Mackenzie, https://districtofmackenzie.ca)  
**Cost:** No permit fee found in the Fire Protection Services Bylaw or the General Fees bylaw. Ticket for no burn permit: $100.  
**How long:** The Fire Department responds to online applications within 3 business days. Recreational permits expire December 31; Category 1, 2 and 3 permits are valid for at most 30 days.  
**Where:**
- Online: Burn permit application (Let's Chat Mackenzie), https://www.letschatmackenzie.ca/mackenzie-firerescue-department-permits
- In person: District Main Office, 1 Mackenzie Boulevard, Mackenzie, BC V0J 2C0 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays))
- Phone: Fire Department non-emergency line, 250-997-1234

## Key facts

- **Backyard campfires:** Yes, with a Recreational Fire Permit: wood burned in a permanent fireplace, barbecue or fire pit not larger than 1 m in diameter that confines the fire. No burning when the forestry hazard is high or extreme. A person over 18 must be in charge, with equipment to control it, and no fire in wind over 10 km/h. Outdoor cooking fires in a proper device (clean dry wood or charcoal) need no permit.
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249, 2010, s. 25, 26, 27, 33, 34](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bylaw-No.-1249-Fire-Protection-Services.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Recreational Type - Backyard Burn Pit/Campfire" … "No person shall ignite, start or maintain, or allow or cause to be lighted, ignited, started or maintained, an Open Air Fire, except under the terms and conditions of a valid burning permit" … "outdoor cooking fires, provided the fire is contained in a device or fixture" … "No person shall ignite or allow an Open Air Fire to burn in wind conditions exceeding"
  - Source: [Burn Permits, Let's Chat Mackenzie (linked from the District site)](https://www.letschatmackenzie.ca/mackenzie-firerescue-department-permits)
  - Official wording: "Recreational Fire Permits are issued all year round, and expire on December 31st." … "Burning is not allowed when the forestry hazard is high or extreme" … "fire pit not larger than 1 m in diameter that is designed and constructed to confine the fire"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Burning yard waste:** Burning yard waste is only by burning permit. The bylaw lets the District issue a permit for residential burning of yard waste (clippings, leaves, tree and shrub prunings) during a specified time each spring and fall set by the Fire Chief, for land clearing debris, or for a special event. Burning household garbage and prohibited materials is banned.
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249, 2010, s. 29, 32](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bylaw-No.-1249-Fire-Protection-Services.pdf)
  - Official wording: "residential open air burning of yard waste in the nature of clippings, leaves, tree" … "and shrub prunings during a specified time each spring and fall as determined by the Fire Chief;" … "household garbage;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Permit:** Yes. Apply for a burn permit online through Let's Chat Mackenzie (or get help at the Municipal Office, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); the Fire Department responds within 3 business days. Keep a digital or paper copy of the approved permit to show an officer. Recreational permits are issued year-round and expire December 31; Category 1, 2 and 3 permits are valid for at most 30 days.
  - Source: [Burn and Fireworks Permits](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/burn-fireworks-permits/)
  - Official wording: "Burn and Fireworks Permits can now be filled out online on Let's Chat Mackenzie." … "the Fire Department will review the application and respond within 3 business days"
  - Source: [Burn Permits, Let's Chat Mackenzie (linked from the District site)](https://www.letschatmackenzie.ca/mackenzie-firerescue-department-permits)
  - Official wording: "Category #1, Category #2, and Category #3 permits are valid for a maximum of 30 days from the date of issue"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fire bans:** The Fire Chief can cancel or suspend a burning permit if a fire may create a hazard, and no burning permits are issued during an active Category 1 fire ban in Mackenzie. BC Wildfire Service bans also apply: check its fire bans and restrictions page for your fire centre, and check with the District for local restrictions.
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249, 2010, s. 36](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bylaw-No.-1249-Fire-Protection-Services.pdf)
  - Official wording: "if the Fire Chief considers that igniting a fire in any area may create ahazard to"
  - Source: [Fire Department](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/public-services/emergency-services/fire/)
  - Official wording: "Burning permits will not be issued when there is an active category 1 fire ban in Mackenzie."
  - Source: [Fire Safety - District of Mackenzie, Campfire Rules](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/districtofmackenzie-fire-safety/)
  - Official wording: "It is the persons’ responsibility to find out what areas have fire bans and restrictions"
  - Source: [Current prohibitions and restrictions, BC Wildfire Service](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions)
  - Official wording: "Select your fire centre below for more details on current BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) open fire prohibitions" … "always check with local government authorities for any other open fire restrictions"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Instead of burning:** All yard, garden and construction waste must be taken to the Mackenzie Regional Transfer Station (yard and garden waste has a designated drop-off place there). The District also runs a free FireSmart curbside debris pickup in some years.
  - Source: [Garbage Collection - District of Mackenzie, Yard & Garden Waste](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/public-services/public-works/waste-recycling/garbage/)
  - Official wording: "All yard, garden, and construction waste must be taken to the Mackenzie Regional Transfer Station."
  - Source: [Waste & Recycling - District of Mackenzie, Mackenzie Transfer Station](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/public-services/public-works/waste-recycling/)
  - Official wording: "There are also designated places on site to drop off used oil, old propane tanks, antifreeze, household appliances, automotive batteries and yard and garden waste."
  - Source: [2026 FireSmart Curbside Pickup - District of Mackenzie](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/2026-firesmart-curbside-pickup/)
  - Official wording: "FREE FireSmart curbside debris pickup program"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: $100 for failing to obtain a burn permit (s. 26); for breaking permit conditions $150 (recreational), $250 (Category 1), $350 (Category 2), $500 (Category 3) (s. 35). The bylaw itself sets $1,000 to $10,000 on conviction.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1465, 2022, amended by Nos. 1488 and 1502, Schedule 9](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bylaw-No.-1465-1488-1502-Municipal-Ticket-Information.pdf)
  - Official wording: "1. Failure to obtain Burn Permit. 26. $100" … "2. Recreational Fire Permit – Non-Compliance. 35.(a) $150" … "5. Category #3 Fire Permit – Non-Compliance. 35.(d) $500"
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249, 2010, s. 41](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bylaw-No.-1249-Fire-Protection-Services.pdf)
  - Official wording: "a minimum fine of $1000 and a maximum fine of $10,000"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249, 2010 (ss. 25 to 37).
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249, 2010, s. 1](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bylaw-No.-1249-Fire-Protection-Services.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the "Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249, 2010""
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The District of Mackenzie's [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bylaw-No.-1249-Fire-Protection-Services.pdf) requires a Recreational Fire Permit for a recreational fire. That is wood burned in a permanent fireplace, barbecue or fire pit not larger than 1 m in diameter that confines the fire. Outdoor cooking fires in a proper device, using clean dry wood or charcoal, need no permit. Burning yard waste (clippings, leaves, tree and shrub prunings) is only by burning permit, during a specified time each spring and fall set by the Fire Chief, or for land clearing debris or a special event. Burning household garbage and prohibited materials is banned.

## Steps

1. Apply online through Let's Chat Mackenzie, or get help at the Municipal Office, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2. Keep a digital or paper copy of the approved permit to show an officer.
3. Follow the permit conditions. A person over 18 must be in charge, with equipment to control the fire, and no fire is allowed in wind over 10 km/h.

## Good to know

- No burning when the forestry hazard is high or extreme. The Fire Chief can cancel or suspend a permit if a fire may create a hazard, and no permits are issued during an active Category 1 fire ban in Mackenzie.
- BC Wildfire Service bans also apply: check its fire bans and restrictions page for your fire centre, and check with the District for local restrictions.
- Instead of burning, take yard, garden and construction waste to the Mackenzie Regional Transfer Station.
- Municipal tickets: $100 for no burn permit. Breaking permit conditions is $150 (recreational), $250 (Category 1), $350 (Category 2) or $500 (Category 3).

## Official forms and pages

- [Burn and Fireworks Permits page](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/burn-fireworks-permits/)
- [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249 (PDF)](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bylaw-No.-1249-Fire-Protection-Services.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Mackenzie yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/yard-waste.md)
- [Mackenzie bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/bylaw-fines.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md)
- [Chetwynd](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/backyard-fire.md)
- [Hudson's Hope](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/backyard-fire.md)
- [Tumbler Ridge](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/backyard-fire.md)
- [Fort St James](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/backyard-fire.md)
- [Vanderhoof](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/backyard-fire.md)
- [Prince George](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/backyard-fire.md)

## Sources

- [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 1249, 2010 (PDF)](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bylaw-No.-1249-Fire-Protection-Services.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Burn and Fireworks Permits, District of Mackenzie](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/burn-fireworks-permits/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Burn Permits, Let's Chat Mackenzie (linked from the District site)](https://www.letschatmackenzie.ca/mackenzie-firerescue-department-permits) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Fire Department, District of Mackenzie](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/public-services/emergency-services/fire/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Current prohibitions and restrictions, BC Wildfire Service](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1465, 2022, amended by Nos. 1488 and 1502 (PDF)](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bylaw-No.-1465-1488-1502-Municipal-Ticket-Information.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Fire Safety - District of Mackenzie](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/districtofmackenzie-fire-safety/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Garbage Collection - District of Mackenzie](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/public-services/public-works/waste-recycling/garbage/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Waste & Recycling - District of Mackenzie](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/public-services/public-works/waste-recycling/) (read 2026-11-08)
- [2026 FireSmart Curbside Pickup - District of Mackenzie](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/2026-firesmart-curbside-pickup/) (read 2026-11-08)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Mackenzie. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/backyard-fire/_