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

# Sooke backyard fire and burning rules

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

**Short answer:** In Sooke, small recreational fires in a pit no wider than 0.60 m are allowed without a permit if the bylaw's conditions are met. Yard debris burning needs no permit in January to April and November to December. Check the BC Wildfire Service fire ban status first, because bans override everything.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Sooke, https://sooke.ca)  
**Cost:** No permit needed for a compliant fire. Land-clearing or special event permit: $55. Fine: $200 first offence, $400 repeat.  
**How long:** Not stated  
**Where:**
- Phone: Sooke Fire Rescue (non-emergency, burning permits), 250-642-5422 (The District's burning page gives 250-642-1634)
- Online: Burning Regulations, District of Sooke, https://www.sooke.ca/municipal-hall/bylaws/burning-regulations/
- Online: BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre bans, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/coastal-fire-centre-bans

## Key facts

- **Backyard campfires:** Fire pits are not 'Open Air Fires' under the bylaw if the fire is in a masonry or metal pit no wider than 0.60 m, at least 6 m from property lines and buildings and 3 m from grass, shrubs, wood and other combustibles, with a garden hose or water source ready, not lit before 6:00 a.m. and fully out by 1:00 a.m. Outdoor cooking fires in a device designed for it, burning only clean dry wood or charcoal, are also excluded. Provincial and local fire bans still apply.
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292, s. 2(q)(iv) definition of Open Air Fire](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "iv. outdoor fires in fire pits, provided that:" … "a. the fire is contained in a masonry or metal pit not to exceed" … "0.60 metres (24 inches) in diameter;" … "c. a garden hose or immediate source of water is readily" … "d. the fire is not lit before 6:00 AM and is fully extinguished by"
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292, s. 2(q)(ii)](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "outdoor cooking fires, provided the fire is contained in a device or" … "fixture designed for such purpose and the fire is only burning clean"
  - Source: [Burning Regulations, FAQ](https://www.sooke.ca/municipal-hall/bylaws/burning-regulations/)
  - Official wording: "When a ban is in place, all open burning and campfires are prohibited, regardless of size or purpose."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Burning yard waste:** Allowed without a permit for residential yard debris (clippings, leaves, tree and shrub prunings) only in January to April and November to December, between sunrise and sunset, when the Ventilation Index is forecast 'Good' for the morning or afternoon, and the fire is at least 6 m from property lines and buildings and 3 m from grass, shrubs, trees and wooden fences. Size: on lots under 2,500 m² in the Sooke Core Sewer Specified Area or under 0.8 ha (2 acres) elsewhere, one fire up to 1 m high and 2 m wide; 2 to 5 acres, one fire up to 2 m by 2 m or two smaller fires; over 5 acres, one fire up to 2 m by 3 m or up to four small fires. Burning garbage, animal carcasses and heavy-smoke material is banned, wind must be under 15 km/h, and a person over 18 must supervise. Incinerators and burning barrels are banned. (Sources differ: Conflict: the District's Burning Regulations page says backyard burning is permitted November 1 to April 30 and open burning must be at least 15 metres from any building, structure or property line. Bylaw No. 292 (consolidated July 11, 2022; page footers say June 1, 2021) says January to April and November to December, and 6 m. Values follow the bylaw. Lots between 2,500 m² and 0.8 ha inside the Core Sewer Specified Area, and the Specified Area boundary, are in the bylaw sections 31-32.)
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292, ss. 31-33, 38-40](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "maintained an Open Air Fire for the purpose of burning residential yard debris," … "WITHOUT A BURNING" … "PERMIT during the months of January, February, March, April, November and" … "(b) the fire burns only between sunrise and sunset of the same day;" … "at least 6 metres (20 feet) from all" … "property lines and buildings and at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from any wild" … "No person will ignite or allow an Open Air Fire to burn in wind conditions exceeding" … "No person may ignite, start or maintain, or allow or cause to be lighted, ignited,"
  - Source: [Burning Regulations, page text](https://www.sooke.ca/municipal-hall/bylaws/burning-regulations/)
  - Official wording: "Between November 1 and April 30"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permit:** No permit for yard-debris burning that meets ss. 31-32. A burning permit from the Fire Department (Sooke Fire Rescue) is required for land clearing (Jan-Apr, Nov-Dec) and for a special ceremony or event (Jun-Sep). Fee $55. Land-clearing permits are for properties over 4 ha (10 acres), four times a year, piles up to 170 m³.
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292, ss. 30, 34, 35](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "for the purpose land clearing during the months of January, February, March," … "for the purpose of a special ceremony or event during the months of June, July," … "on properties larger than 4 hectares (10 acres) four times a year per property"
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 752, Schedule 6](https://www.sooke.ca/media/fm0fpxls/fees-charges-bylaw-no-752-consolidated-october2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(all fees are subject to applicable taxes) Service Fee Burning Permit $55.00 Routine Inspection No charge Non-routine Inspection $80.00 per inspection"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fire bans:** The District follows BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre restrictions; check the Coastal Fire Centre bans page on gov.bc.ca before lighting any fire. When a ban is in place, all open burning and campfires are prohibited, regardless of size. The Fire Chief may also refuse or cancel burning permits for hazards.
  - Source: [Burning Regulations, FAQ](https://www.sooke.ca/municipal-hall/bylaws/burning-regulations/)
  - Official wording: "The District of Sooke follows the BC Wildfire Service – Coastal Fire Centre regulations regarding restrictions and prohibitions on campfires." … "When a ban is in place, all open burning and campfires are prohibited, regardless of size or purpose." … "Before lighting any fire, including a campfire, you must check current restrictions." … "- BC Wildfire Service – Coastal Fire Centre -> https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/coastal-fire-centre-bans"
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292, s. 41](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "if the Fire Chief considers that igniting or allowing a fire in any area may create a hazard to persons or property."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Instead of burning:** Compost, chip or mulch. The District runs free yard waste drop-off days for residents at the District Yard, 2070 Kaltasin Road (the 2026 program's final day was Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Leaves, grass clippings, branches, prunings and garden debris accepted; commercial loads and invasive plants are not.
  - Source: [Burning Regulations, Alternatives](https://www.sooke.ca/municipal-hall/bylaws/burning-regulations/)
  - Official wording: "The District of Sooke also offers a free yard waste disposal program during the month of May" … "Drop off is available at the Sooke Parks Yard, 2070 Kaltasin Road."
  - Source: [Final free yard waste drop-off day, Information Bulletin, Oct 30, 2026](https://www.sooke.ca/news-and-public-notices/posts/final-free-yard-waste-drop-off-day-set-for-october-31-2026-program/)
  - Official wording: "The District of Sooke's final scheduled free yard waste drop-off day for 2026 takes place Saturday, October 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the District Yard, 2070 Kaltasin Road." … "Accepted materials include leaves, grass clippings, branches, prunings and garden debris. Commercial loads and invasive plant materials cannot be accepted."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: $200 first offence, $400 repeat. Applies to open air fire without a permit (s. 30), outside permitted months (ss. 30(a), 31, 32), when the Ventilation Index is not 'good', too large, before sunrise or after sunset, too much smoke, too close to other property, burning prohibited materials, burning in winds over 15 km/h, unsupervised, or hazardous. Incinerator or burning barrel fire: $200 first, $400 repeat.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 836, Schedule B7](https://www.sooke.ca/media/qnrli50n/836-municipal-ticket-information-bylaw-consolidated-july-16-2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Open Air Fire without valid" … "$200.00 (first offence)" … "$400.00 (repeat offence)" … "29(b) Incinerator or burning $200 (first offence)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Bylaw No. 292, Fire Protection Services Bylaw, 2007
  - Source: [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292, s. 1 (title)](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "BYLAW NO. 292, FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES BYLAW, 2007"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf) treats a fire pit as not an "Open Air Fire" if it is in a masonry or metal pit no wider than 0.60 m, at least 6 m from property lines and buildings and 3 m from grass, shrubs, wood and other combustibles, with a garden hose or water source ready. It must not be lit before 6:00 a.m. and must be fully out by 1:00 a.m. Outdoor cooking fires in a device designed for it, burning only clean dry wood or charcoal, are also excluded.

## Good to know

- **Yard debris** (clippings, leaves, tree and shrub prunings) may be burned without a permit only in January to April and November to December, between sunrise and sunset, when the Ventilation Index is forecast "Good" for the morning or afternoon. Keep the fire at least 6 m from property lines and buildings and 3 m from grass, shrubs, trees and wooden fences.
- **Size:** lots under 2,500 m² in the Sooke Core Sewer Specified Area, or under 0.8 ha (2 acres) elsewhere, one fire up to 1 m high and 2 m wide. For 2 to 5 acres, one fire up to 2 m by 2 m or two smaller fires. Over 5 acres, one fire up to 2 m by 3 m or up to four small fires.
- Wind must be under 15 km/h and a person over 18 must supervise. Burning garbage, animal carcasses and heavy-smoke material is banned. Incinerators and burning barrels are banned.
- **Permits:** a burning permit from Sooke Fire Rescue is required for land clearing (January to April, November to December; properties over 4 ha, piles up to 170 m³) and for a special ceremony or event (June to September). The fee is $55.
- **Fire bans:** the District follows BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre restrictions. Check the bans page on gov.bc.ca before lighting any fire. During a ban, all open burning and campfires are prohibited. The Fire Chief may also refuse or cancel permits.
- **Different dates and distance:** the District's burning page says November 1 to April 30 and 15 metres from buildings. The bylaw says otherwise, so confirm with Sooke Fire Rescue.
- Alternatives: compost, chip or mulch, or use the District's free yard waste drop-off days (see the yard waste answer).
- The ticket is $200 for a first offence and $400 for a repeat.

## Official forms and pages

- [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292 (PDF)](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Sooke fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sooke/fireworks.md)
- [Sooke yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sooke/yard-waste.md)
- [Sooke bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sooke/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Sooke noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sooke/noise-rules.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Backyard fire and burning rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-fire.md)
- [Metchosin](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/metchosin/backyard-fire.md)
- [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/backyard-fire.md)
- [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/backyard-fire.md)
- [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/backyard-fire.md)
- [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/backyard-fire.md)
- [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/backyard-fire.md)

## Sources

- [Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 292 (PDF), District of Sooke](https://www.sooke.ca/media/lv5c4ezd/fire-protection-services-bylaw-no-292-consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Burning Regulations, District of Sooke](https://www.sooke.ca/municipal-hall/bylaws/burning-regulations/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 752 (PDF), District of Sooke](https://www.sooke.ca/media/fm0fpxls/fees-charges-bylaw-no-752-consolidated-october2026.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 836 (PDF), District of Sooke](https://www.sooke.ca/media/qnrli50n/836-municipal-ticket-information-bylaw-consolidated-july-16-2026.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Final free yard waste drop-off day, District of Sooke](https://www.sooke.ca/news-and-public-notices/posts/final-free-yard-waste-drop-off-day-set-for-october-31-2026-program/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Coastal Fire Centre Bans and Restrictions, BC Wildfire Service](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/coastal-fire-centre-bans) (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 District of Sooke. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sooke/backyard-fire/_