---
title: Qualicum Beach backyard fire and burning rules
question: "Can I have a backyard fire or burn yard waste in Qualicum Beach?"
place: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/qualicum-beach
category: Bylaws, noise and complaints
owner: municipal
owner_body: Town of Qualicum Beach
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-fire/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-fire.json"
---

# Qualicum Beach backyard fire and burning rules

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

**Short answer:** In Qualicum Beach, an outdoor fireplace (a fire no bigger than 0.5 m across and high) needs no permit from March 15 to November 1. Burning yard waste needs a $45 permit and is limited to larger farm parcels. No fires are allowed during a fire ban. Tickets are $200.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (Town of Qualicum Beach, https://www.qualicumbeach.com)  
**Cost:** Outdoor fireplace: no permit. Burn permit for garden refuse or agricultural clearing: $45 (the agricultural clearing form says $45 plus GST). Ticket: $200 for most offences; $500 for obstructing an officer.  
**How long:** Outdoor fireplaces may be used from March 15 to November 1. Garden refuse burning is allowed only March 15 to April 5 and October 15 to November 5.  
**Where:**
- In person: Town Hall, to apply for a burn permit, #201 - 660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7
- Email: Burn permit application (fillable PDF), qbtown@qualicumbeach.com
- Phone: Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue (general inquiries), 250-752-6232

## Key facts

- **Backyard campfires:** An outdoor fireplace (a non-combustible appliance with a grate and screen, fire no bigger than 0.5 m across and 0.5 m high, including chimineas and fire rings, or a three-sided permanent masonry/rock/metal structure) may be used without a permit between March 15 and November 1. A person 19 or older must be present; burn only clean, dry firewood; no heavy smoke; keep it at least 3.0 m from neighbouring properties, buildings, overhead wiring and highways. Beach fires are not allowed. Barbecues are allowed.
  - Source: [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018, s. 5, s. 1](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "Fires in an Outdoor Fireplace may be started and maintained without a permit" … "between March 15th and November 1st subject to General Regulations of this" … "built for containing a fire not larger than 0.5m in diameter and 0.5m in height"
  - Source: [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018, s. 3(e), 4(a)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "within 3.0 metres from all neighboring properties, buildings," … "a person nineteen years of age or older is present at all times"
  - Source: [Burn Permits, Outdoor Burning FAQ](https://qualicumbeach.com/burn-permits)
  - Official wording: "No. Provincial Legislation does not permit beach fires at any time." … "Yes! Barbeques are permitted."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Burning yard waste:** Only with a permit, and only on parcels of 1.0 ha or more that are in the Agricultural Land Reserve or have Farm Class 09 status, with material that came from the same property, for agriculture or property maintenance, between March 15 and April 5 or October 15 and November 5, and with no fire ban. The fire may be no more than 2 m² in area or 3 m high and more than 10 m from property lines, buildings, wiring and highways, with water on hand.
  - Source: [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018, s. 15-21](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "Garden Refuse Fires shall require a permit issued by the Fire Chief" … "that are 1.0 ha or larger, within the Agricultural Land Reserve or have a Farm" … "only be permitted between March 15th and April 5th" … "the fire does not exceed two square metres in area or three metres in height"
  - Source: [Burn Permits, Outdoor Burning FAQ](https://qualicumbeach.com/burn-permits)
  - Official wording: "Your property is designated in the Agricultural Land Reserve." … "You are burning materials that originated on your property."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permit:** Needed for garden refuse and agricultural clearing fires, issued by the Fire Chief through Town Hall (email the fillable PDF to qbtown@qualicumbeach.com or apply in person at #201-660 Primrose Street; agricultural clearing applications and payment together by mail or in person). Fee: $45 (the Town's fee schedule lists Burning Permits at $45; the agricultural clearing permit form says $45 plus GST). No permit is needed for an outdoor fireplace.
  - Source: [Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009, consolidated, Sched. A, item a](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009%20(Consolidated%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(Bylaw No. 638.01 & 638.08) ITEM FEE a) Burning Permits $ 45.00 b) Business Licence List $ 35.00 c) Print of Bylaw No. 590 - Official Community Plan (text & maps $ 60.00"
  - Source: [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018, Sched. A (permit form)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "Permit Fee: $45.00 + GST"
  - Source: [Burn Permits, Fire Permit Application for Garden Refuse](https://qualicumbeach.com/burn-permits)
  - Official wording: "Email: Complete the fillable PDF form and send it to qbtown@qualicumbeach.com"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fire bans:** No outdoor fire of any kind may be lit if the Province has imposed a fire ban or restriction anywhere within 25 km of Qualicum Beach. The Town can also restrict or ban fires by public notice in the local newspaper and on its website. Check Coastal Fire Centre bans on the BC government website.
  - Source: [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018, s. 3(d), 22(e)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "Outdoor Fire if the province has imposed any fire ban or fire restriction" … "restrict or ban some or all fires within the Town of Qualicum Beach by"
  - Source: [Burn Permits, Related Links](https://qualicumbeach.com/burn-permits)
  - Official wording: "During a provincial fire ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Instead of burning:** Put yard waste in the green organics cart (collected weekly): leaves, grass and light trimmings up to 1.5 cm thick and 60 cm long. Branches can go to the Town's spring and fall chipping program, or to the RDN transfer station at 860 Church Road, Parksville.
  - Source: [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo, Accepted types of organic waste](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview)
  - Official wording: "Leaves, grass, and light trimmings are accepted." … "No larger than 1.5 cm (0.5 inches) in diameter; and,"
  - Source: [Wood Chipping Program](https://qualicumbeach.com/chipping-program)
  - Official wording: "providing residents with the convenience of placing branches curbside for easy collection." … "860 Church Road, Parksville"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: $200 for most offences (burning without a permit, burning during a ban, fire too close to neighbours, no one 19+ present, excess smoke). Obstructing an officer: $500.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, consolidated to 626.07, Sched. 9, items 1-22](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Light, ignite, start, allow or cause any" … "Obstruct officer from carrying out" … "$200.00" … "$500.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Town of Qualicum Beach Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018
  - Source: [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018, s. 26](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited as “Town of Qualicum Beach Outdoor Burning Bylaw"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715](<https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf>) allows two kinds of fire.

**Outdoor fireplace (no permit).** This is a non-combustible appliance with a grate and screen, with a fire no bigger than 0.5 m across and 0.5 m high (including chimineas and fire rings), or a three-sided permanent masonry, rock or metal structure. It may be used from March 15 to November 1. A person 19 or older must be present, burn only clean, dry firewood, avoid heavy smoke, and keep it at least 3.0 m from neighbouring properties, buildings, overhead wiring and highways. Beach fires are not allowed. Barbecues are allowed.

**Open burning (permit).** Only on parcels of 1.0 ha or more that are in the Agricultural Land Reserve or have Farm Class 09 status. The material must come from the same property, for agriculture or property maintenance, and burned between March 15 and April 5 or October 15 and November 5, with no fire ban. The fire may be no more than 2 m² in area or 3 m high, more than 10 m from property lines, buildings, wiring and highways, with water on hand.

## Steps to get a burn permit

1. Fill in the permit form on the Town's burn permits page.
2. Email it to qbtown@qualicumbeach.com or bring it to Town Hall. Agricultural clearing applications and payment go together, by mail or in person.
3. Pay $45. The Fire Chief issues the permit.

## Good to know

- No outdoor fire of any kind may be lit if the Province has imposed a fire ban or restriction anywhere within 25 km of Qualicum Beach. The Town can also ban fires by public notice. Check the current Coastal Fire Centre bans on the BC government website.
- Instead of burning, put yard waste in the green organics cart or use the Town's chipping program. See the yard waste answer.
- Most offences are a $200 ticket. Obstructing an officer is $500.

## Official forms and pages

- [Burn Permits, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/burn-permits)
- [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf)

## Related questions

- [Qualicum Beach fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/fireworks.md)
- [Qualicum Beach yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/yard-waste.md)
- [Qualicum Beach unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/unsightly-property.md)
- [Qualicum Beach bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/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)
- [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/backyard-fire.md)
- [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/backyard-fire.md)
- [Port Alberni](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-fire.md)
- [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/backyard-fire.md)
- [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/backyard-fire.md)
- [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/backyard-fire.md)

## Sources

- [Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 715, 2018 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Outdoor%20Burning%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20715%2C%202018%2Epdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Burn Permits, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/burn-permits) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009, consolidated (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009%20(Consolidated%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, consolidated to 626.07 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Wood Chipping Program, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/chipping-program) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Solid Waste Disposal Facilities, Regional District of Nanaimo](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/solid-waste-recycling/solid-waste-disposal-facilities) (read 2026-11-06)

_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 Town of Qualicum Beach. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-fire/_