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

# Penticton backyard fire and burning rules

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

**Short answer:** Outdoor fires in Penticton are banned except food barbecues, a permanent outdoor fireplace approved by the Fire Chief, Fire Department training fires and City beach fire pits. Burning yard waste needs a $60 permit and land of 1 hectare or more. The City's Permits page bans burning April 15 to October 15.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Penticton, https://www.penticton.ca)  
**Cost:** Burning permit $60 (2026; $61 in 2027); permanent outdoor fireplace permit $60; FireSmart burning permit free. Burning without a permit: bylaw notice $150, municipal ticket $150.  
**How long:** Burning permits are valid from purchase to December 31 of the same year.  
**Where:**
- Email: Penticton Fire Department (permit applications), fire@penticton.ca
- Phone: Penticton Fire Department, 250-490-2300
- Phone: Venting Index line, 250-490-4125
- Online: Pay a burn permit online, https://online.penticton.ca

## Key facts

- **Backyard campfires:** Outdoor fires are banned except food barbecues, a permanent outdoor fireplace approved by the Fire Chief, Fire Department training fires and City beach fire pits. A permanent fireplace may have a fire area of at most 4000 cm2 (24 by 24 inches), 3 m from combustibles and the lot line, with a 1 cm mesh spark arrestor.
  - Source: [Fire and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2004-57 (consolidated 2020), s. 9.01](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Bylaw%202004-57%20Fire%20Life%20and%20Safety%20-%20consolidated%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No person shall light, ignite, start or allow or cause to be lighted, ignited, or started, an outdoor fire of any kind, or for any purpose except as follows:" … "the operation of a permanent outdoor fireplace, equipped with a spark arrestor and approved by the Fire Chief, is permitted" … "The operation of City fire pits on Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake"
  - Source: [Outdoor (Backyard) Fireplaces](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/outdoor-fireplaces)
  - Official wording: "If your fireplace is wood burning, it must be permanently installed and will need to be inspected by the Fire Department prior to issuing a Fireplace Permit." … "The fireplace must not be situated within 3 metres (10') of combustibles or adjoining lot line." … "The fireplace must be constructed in such a manner that limits the size of the fire area to a maximum of 4000 cm/sq. (24”x 24”)." … "The chimney must be equipped with a 1 cm (1/2”) mesh spark arrestor and secured with metal screws when necessary."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Burning yard waste:** Only with a burning permit: vegetative debris from the same parcel, on land of 1 hectare (2.2 acres) or more (site-inspected exception for agricultural land under 1 hectare), Venting Index 55 or greater, dawn to dusk, adult in charge. The City's Permits page also bans burning April 15 to October 15; the bylaw does not. (Sources differ: The Permits page and the bylaw differ in detail. Hours: bylaw s. 9.04(f) dawn to dusk; permit-conditions list "1 hour after sunrise ending 4 pm or 2 hours before sunset". Venting Index: bylaw and permit conditions 55; the burn-pile guideline list on the same page says 54. Distances: guideline list 30 m from property lines; permit conditions 100 m from buildings and 500 m from schools/hospitals. Burn pile guideline: no more than 6 m across, 10 cubic metres per hectare; permit conditions: burn periods maximum 12 days a year and 6 a month; wood seasoned to 30% moisture or piled 4 months. The April 15 to October 15 ban is on the web page only, not in the 2020 bylaw consolidation (s. 9.03 lets the Fire Chief restrict any or all outdoor burning when hazardous). Bylaw s. 9.04(h): owners of agricultural-zoned land under 1 hectare may be allowed after a site inspection.)
  - Source: [Fire and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2004-57 (consolidated 2020), s. 9.04](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Bylaw%202004-57%20Fire%20Life%20and%20Safety%20-%20consolidated%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The open burning is on land of 1 hectare (2.2 acres) or greater;" … "is only permitted on days when the Venting Index is 55 or greater" … "All burning shall be conducted and concluded between dawn and dusk of the same day;" … "To owners of property less than 1 hectare (2.2 acres) zoned"
  - Source: [Permits (Burning Permits), Permits; Permit Conditions](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/permits)
  - Official wording: "Even with a valid permit, open burning is prohibited April 15 to October 15." … "This includes garden refuse such as shrubs, prunings from non-fruit bearing trees, plants, leaves, grass and grass cuttings."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permit:** Yes. The Fire Chief issues burning permits. Email the burn permit application to fire@penticton.ca; once approved, pay $60 (2026; $61 in 2027) online or at City Hall. Valid from purchase to December 31 of the same year. A permanent outdoor fireplace also needs a $60 permit; a FireSmart burning permit is free.
  - Source: [Permits (Burning Permits), Apply for a Burning Permit](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/permits)
  - Official wording: "Complete the 2026 Burn Permit Application and email it to: fire@penticton.ca." … "Burn Permits are valid from the date of purchase through December 31st of the same year." … "There is no cost for the permit or site inspection."
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2014-07, Appendix 9 (consolidated October 2026), Appendix 9, Fire Department](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2014-07%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20CONSOLIDATED%20PACKAGE%20-%20October%202026_1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Burning Permit as allowed by bylaw $60.00 $61.00" … "Permanent Outdoor Fireplace $60.00 $61.00" … "Fire Smart Burning Permit No Charge No Charge"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fire bans:** The Fire Chief may restrict or cancel any or all outdoor burning in hazardous conditions; the City Permits page says burning is prohibited April 15 to October 15. Call 250-490-4125 for the Venting Index. BC Wildfire Service orders usually exclude municipalities, so also check with the City (250-490-2300).
  - Source: [Fire and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2004-57 (consolidated 2020), s. 9.03](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Bylaw%202004-57%20Fire%20Life%20and%20Safety%20-%20consolidated%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The Fire Chief may refuse, cancel or suspend any Permit and/or restrict for such time as the Fire Chief may deem necessary, any and all outdoor burning."
  - Source: [Permits (Burning Permits), Apply for a Burning Permit](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/permits)
  - Official wording: "Call for Venting Index before burning at 250-490-4125 and to give your permit number."
  - Source: [Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions, BC Wildfire Service, Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions, Where BC Wildfire Service orders apply](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions)
  - Official wording: "BCWS open fire prohibitions and equipment/activity prohibitions apply to public and private land within the area defined in the order, which is usually all areas outside of municipalities." … "always check with local government authorities for any other open fire restrictions."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Instead of burning:** Curbside yard waste pick-up (every two weeks, March to December), chipping or grinding, or the Campbell Mountain Landfill, where yard waste loads under 500 kg are free.
  - Source: [Permits (Burning Permits), Alternatives to Burning](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/permits)
  - Official wording: "Curbside Yard Waste pick-up: For a collection calendar and other information, visit our Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste page." … "There is no charge to take prunings and yard waste to the landfill for loads weighing less than 500 kg."
  - Source: [RDOS Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3128, 2026, Section 6, Section 6, Yard Waste](https://www.rdos.bc.ca/assets/Uploads/BL3128-Landfill-fees-May-1-2028.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Yard Waste $0.00 up to $0.00 up to $0.00 up to $0.00 up to"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Burning without a permit (s. 9.01): bylaw notice $150 ($135 if paid within 14 days, $165 late); municipal ticket $150. Burning prohibited materials (s. 9.04(e)): $100.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2012-5037 (consolidated June 2026), Schedule A, Appendix 9](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2012-5037%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20%28Consolidated%20Package%20-%20June%202026%29_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Burning without a permit 9.01 $150.00 $135.00 $165.00 No" … "Burning of prohibited 9.04 (e) $100.00 $90.00 $110.00 No"
  - Source: [Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2012-5021 (consolidated June 2026), Schedule B9](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/MTI%20Bylaw%205021%20-%20consolidated%20for%20website%20-%20June%202026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Burning without a permit 9.01/9.05 $150.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Fire and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2004-57 (Part IX, Open Air Burning); Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2012-5030 (Part 8, Nuisance Smoke).
  - Source: [Fire and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2004-57 (consolidated 2020), Title](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Bylaw%202004-57%20Fire%20Life%20and%20Safety%20-%20consolidated%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY BYLAW NO. 2004-57"
  - Source: [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2012-5030 (consolidated), Title](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/5030%20Good%20Neighour%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20for%20website.pdf)
  - Official wording: "CITY OF PENTICTON GOOD NEIGHBOUR BYLAW NO. 2012-5030"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Fire and Life Safety Bylaw](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Bylaw%202004-57%20Fire%20Life%20and%20Safety%20-%20consolidated%202020.pdf) (s. 9.01), outdoor fires in Penticton are banned except food barbecues, a permanent outdoor fireplace approved by the Fire Chief, Fire Department training fires and City beach fire pits. A permanent fireplace may have a fire area of at most 4000 cm² (24 by 24 inches), 3 m from combustibles and the lot line, with a 1 cm mesh spark arrestor. The bylaw does not list portable wood-burning fire pits; the City page says propane, natural gas or briquette fireplaces need no inspection or permit.

## Steps

1. Email the burn permit application to fire@penticton.ca. Once approved, pay $60 online or at City Hall.
2. Open burning is allowed only for vegetative debris from the same parcel, on land of 1 hectare (2.2 acres) or more (the bylaw allows a site-inspected exception for agricultural land under 1 hectare). The Venting Index must be 55 or greater, burning runs from dawn to dusk, and an adult must stay in charge.
3. Call 250-490-4125 for the Venting Index before burning.

## Good to know

- The City's Permits page says burning is prohibited from April 15 to October 15. That is on the web page only, not in the bylaw, so confirm with the Fire Department. The Fire Chief may also restrict or cancel burning in hazardous conditions. BC Wildfire Service orders usually exclude municipalities, so also check with the City (250-490-2300).
- The Permits page differs from the bylaw on hours, Venting Index and distances from buildings; follow your permit conditions.
- Alternatives: curbside yard waste pick-up, chipping, or the Campbell Mountain Landfill, where yard waste loads under 500 kg are free.
- No campfire or outdoor fireplace burning when the Air Quality Index is less than 35 or the Ventilation Index is 54 or greater (Good Neighbour Bylaw s. 8.3).
- Burning prohibited materials: $100 bylaw notice.

## Official forms and pages

- [Burning Permits](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/permits)
- [Outdoor (Backyard) Fireplaces](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/outdoor-fireplaces)
- [Fire and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2004-57 (PDF)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Bylaw%202004-57%20Fire%20Life%20and%20Safety%20-%20consolidated%202020.pdf)

## Related questions

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

## The same question elsewhere

- [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md)
- [Summerland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/backyard-fire.md)
- [Peachland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/backyard-fire.md)
- [Oliver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/oliver/backyard-fire.md)
- [Keremeos](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/keremeos/backyard-fire.md)
- [West Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/backyard-fire.md)
- [Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kelowna/backyard-fire.md)

## Sources

- [Permits (Burning Permits), City of Penticton](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/permits) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Outdoor (Backyard) Fireplaces, City of Penticton](https://www.penticton.ca/city-services/fire-services/outdoor-burning/outdoor-fireplaces) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fire and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2004-57 (PDF) (consolidated 2020), City of Penticton](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Bylaw%202004-57%20Fire%20Life%20and%20Safety%20-%20consolidated%202020.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2012-5030 (PDF) (consolidated), City of Penticton](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/5030%20Good%20Neighour%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20for%20website.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2014-07, Appendix 9 (PDF) (consolidated October 2026)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2014-07%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20CONSOLIDATED%20PACKAGE%20-%20October%202026_1.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2012-5037 (PDF) (consolidated June 2026)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2012-5037%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20%28Consolidated%20Package%20-%20June%202026%29_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2012-5021 (PDF) (consolidated June 2026)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/MTI%20Bylaw%205021%20-%20consolidated%20for%20website%20-%20June%202026.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions, BC Wildfire Service](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions) (read 2026-11-05)
- [RDOS Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3128, 2026, Section 6 (PDF)](https://www.rdos.bc.ca/assets/Uploads/BL3128-Landfill-fees-May-1-2028.pdf) (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 Penticton. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/backyard-fire/_