---
title: Merritt backyard fire and burning rules
question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste?"
place: Merritt, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/merritt
category: Bylaws, noise and complaints
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Merritt
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/backyard-fire/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/backyard-fire.json"
---

# Merritt backyard fire and burning rules

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

**Short answer:** In the City of Merritt, a backyard campfire needs a Small Confined Fire Permit for your parcel, and fires are allowed only when open fires are allowed in the Kamloops Fire Centre. Burning leaves, grass or yard waste is not allowed.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Merritt, https://www.merritt.ca)  
**Cost:** Permit: $150 for the first application and inspection, $50 a year to renew (Fees Bylaw 2386). Fire Bylaw 2272 says $25, but the newer Fees Bylaw applies.  
**How long:** A permit expires on December 31 each year and is not valid during a fire ban.  
**Where:**
- Online: Small Confined Fire Permits page, https://www.merritt.ca/small-confined-fire-permits/
- In person: City Hall (file the application), 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.)
- Phone: Merritt Fire Rescue Department, 250-378-5626

## Key facts

- **Backyard campfires:** Only with a permit for the parcel, when open fires are allowed in the Kamloops Fire Centre, never on City land. The bylaw names zones R1 Single Family, R2 Low Density and R8 Large Lot, which no longer match the Zoning Bylaw, so confirm your zone. One pile up to 0.5 m each way, 4 m from buildings and lot lines, 3 m from combustibles, 4 hours a day, 6 a.m. to midnight.
  - Source: [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw 2272, 2019, s. 13.1(a)](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Small Confined Fires and the use of Outdoor Fireplaces are permitted when allowed in the Kamloops Fire Centre" … "Small Confined Fires and Outdoor Fireplaces are only allowed on private property zoned Single Family Residential (R1) or Low Density Residential (R2), or Large Lot Residential (R8)" … "one pile no larger than 0.5 meters in height, 0.5 meters in width and 0.5 meters in length" … "Any fire must be a minimum of 4 meters from buildings and property lines, and 3 metres from any combustible material" … "Fires may only burn for a maximum of four hours per day, and between the hours of 6am and midnight" … "Please confirm zoning for your property prior to paying the application fee"
  - Source: [Small Confined Fire Permits, Fire Permits Required](https://www.merritt.ca/small-confined-fire-permits/)
  - Official wording: "not exceeding 0.5 metres in height and at least 4 meters from any structure or property line"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Burning yard waste:** Not allowed. The bylaw bans open burning of any kind except small confined fires, community event or ritual permits, Fire Chief-approved interface fuel reduction burns (50 m from structures; spring cleanup and pruning debris not allowed), and Fire Chief permits on AR1 agricultural land. Leaves, grass and grass cuttings are prohibited burning materials.
  - Source: [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw 2272, 2019, s. 13.1, definitions](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No open burning of any kind will be permitted during any period with the exception of the following:" … "Burning of spring cleanup materials and/or pruning debris is not permitted." … "leaves, grass and grass cuttings" … "The Fire Chief may grant the occupier of property zoned AR1 (Agricultural) permission for open burning"
  - Source: [Wildfire, Are There Any Fire Bans](https://www.merritt.ca/wildfire/)
  - Official wording: "Category 2 and 3 open fires are never permitted in Merritt"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permit:** Yes. A permit is needed for each parcel, from Merritt Fire Rescue (apply at City Hall; inspection required). Fee: $150 for the first application and inspection, $50 a year to renew. Permits expire December 31 each year and are not valid during a fire ban. (Sources differ: Fire Bylaw 2272 s. 13.1(a)(iii) says a non-refundable $25 fee; the later Fees and Charges Bylaw 2386 (Schedule M) and the City page say $150 and $50. The Fees bylaw amount was used. The web page shows a "January 16, 2026" application deadline (dated notice, not used).)
  - Source: [Small Confined Fire Permits, Fire Permits Required](https://www.merritt.ca/small-confined-fire-permits/)
  - Official wording: "No fire may be lit unless a Permit has been issued for the parcel of land." … "The annual renewal rate for 2026 remains at $50. The cost for an initial application and inspection remains at $150." … "Fire Permits must be renewed annually, and expire at the end of the calendar year in December 31 each year"
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw 2386, Schedule P, Schedule M](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Fees-and-Charges-Amendments-as-at-December-2025-CONSOLIDATED.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Initial Application and Inspection $150.00 $150.00 $150.00" … "Annual renewal $50.00 $50.00 $50.00"
  - Source: [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw 2272, 2019, s. 13.1(a)(iii)](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "upon the filing at City Hall of an application form in the form of Schedule "D", the payment of a non-refundable $25 fee, and a satisfactory inspection"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fire bans:** Small confined fires are only allowed when open fires are allowed in the Kamloops Fire Centre. The Fire Chief may suspend all permits without refund for as long as he sees fit. BC Wildfire Service issues open fire prohibitions by fire centre; Merritt is in the Kamloops Fire Centre, and the notices are on the BCWS website.
  - Source: [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw 2272, 2019, s. 13.1(a)(x)](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the Merritt Fire Chief may declare all Fire Permits suspended without refund, if he deems it warranted by environmental conditions"
  - Source: [Wildfire, Are There Any Fire Bans](https://www.merritt.ca/wildfire/)
  - Official wording: "BCWS issues prohibitions on open fires by fire centre region. Merritt is part of the Kamloops Fire Centre region."
  - Source: [Small Confined Fire Permits, Fire Permits Required](https://www.merritt.ca/small-confined-fire-permits/)
  - Official wording: "City of Merritt Fire Permits are NOT VALID during a fire ban"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Instead of burning:** Yard waste can be taken free (residential) to the TNRD Lower Nicola Eco-Depot, 2348 Woodward Road, open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The City also runs a free FireSmart curbside chipping program for cedar, juniper, mugo pine and conifer branches on set dates by registration.
  - Source: [Lower Nicola Eco-Depot, Thompson-Nicola Regional District, Accepted Materials](https://www.tnrd.ca/services/garbage-recycling/depot-services-waste-drop-off/lower-nicola-eco-depot/)
  - Official wording: "Yard Waste | Residential: Free to Recycle" … "Address: 2348 Woodward Road"
  - Source: [FireSmart Chipping Program 2026, How the Program Works](https://www.merritt.ca/firesmart-chipping-program-2026/)
  - Official wording: "offers free curbside pickup and chipping of flammable plant materials"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Up to $2,000 on summary conviction, and each day is a separate offence. Fire department costs may be charged to the owner. No bylaw notice amount is listed for this bylaw.
  - Source: [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw 2272, 2019, s. 20.2-20.3](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Any person who commits an offence under this Bylaw is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2000)." … "Each day an offence occurs shall be a separate offence."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** City of Merritt Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 2272, 2019 (s. 13); permit fees in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2386, 2024.
  - Source: [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw 2272, 2019, s. 1.1](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw shall be cited as the “Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw No. 2272, 2019”."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

[Bylaw 2272](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf) bans open burning in the City of Merritt except in a few cases. A campfire or other small confined fire is allowed only with a Small Confined Fire Permit for the parcel, and only when open fires are allowed in the Kamloops Fire Centre. BC Wildfire Service issues open fire prohibitions by fire centre, and the notices are on its website. Category 2 and 3 open fires are never permitted. Certified barbeques and portable appliances burning charcoal, gas, propane, butane or briquettes may be used for cooking.

## Rules for a permitted fire

- Only on private land in the zones the bylaw names (R1 "Single Family", R2 "Low Density" or R8 "Large Lot") or at a licensed campground. The bylaw uses older zone names that no longer match the Zoning Bylaw, so confirm your zone with the City. Never on City land.
- Burn only dry seasoned firewood or charcoal briquettes, in one pile no bigger than 0.5 m high, wide and long, inside a non-combustible base and edging.
- Keep it at least 4 m from buildings and property lines, and 3 m from combustible material.
- Burn no more than four hours a day, between 6:00 a.m. and midnight, with a competent person present and extinguishing equipment on hand.
- Apply at City Hall; an inspection of the parcel is required. The Fire Chief can suspend all permits without refund.

## Good to know

- The fee is $150 for the first application and inspection and $50 a year to renew. Bylaw 2272 itself says $25, but the later Fees and Charges Bylaw 2386 sets the current amounts, so confirm with the City.
- Leaves, grass, grass cuttings, wooden pallets, lumber, plastics, paint and other waste are prohibited burning materials. Spring cleanup and pruning debris cannot be burned. For yard waste see the yard waste answer.
- Sky lanterns and tiki torches are banned.
- A permit is refused or revoked for a Nuisance Property and suspended while a property is Unsightly.
- A fire that brings out the fire department can be billed to the owner. No bylaw notice amount is listed, so only court fines apply: up to $2,000, and each day is a separate offence.
- Report a wildfire to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.

## What you'll need

- Small Confined Fire Permit application (or renewal form)

## Official forms and pages

- [Small Confined Fire Permit Application (Campfire) (PDF)](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/New-Burning-Permit-2026.pdf)
- [Small Confined Fire Permit Renewal (Campfire) (PDF)](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Fire-Permit-Renewal-2026.pdf)
- [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw 2272 (PDF)](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Merritt fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/fireworks.md)
- [Merritt yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/yard-waste.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md)
- [Logan Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/logan-lake/backyard-fire.md)
- [Lytton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lytton/backyard-fire.md)
- [Kamloops](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/backyard-fire.md)
- [Princeton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/backyard-fire.md)
- [Ashcroft](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/backyard-fire.md)
- [Peachland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/backyard-fire.md)

## Sources

- [Small Confined Fire Permits, City of Merritt](https://www.merritt.ca/small-confined-fire-permits/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fire and Safety Regulations Bylaw 2272, 2019 (PDF), City of Merritt](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2272_fire_safety_regulations_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Wildfire, City of Merritt](https://www.merritt.ca/wildfire/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw 2386 (PDF), Schedule P, City of Merritt](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Fees-and-Charges-Amendments-as-at-December-2025-CONSOLIDATED.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Contact, City of Merritt](https://www.merritt.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Lower Nicola Eco-Depot, Thompson-Nicola Regional District](https://www.tnrd.ca/services/garbage-recycling/depot-services-waste-drop-off/lower-nicola-eco-depot/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [FireSmart Chipping Program 2026, City of Merritt](https://www.merritt.ca/firesmart-chipping-program-2026/) (read 2026-11-05)

_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 City of Merritt. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/backyard-fire/_