Burning Information

Campfire on a beach

Current Hazard Rating

Graphic depicting low fire hazard rating

The fire hazard rating in Roberts Creek is low.
UPDATED: October 30, 2024

Unsure About Burning?

If you are in doubt about burning, especially during the summer season, call the fire department at 604-885-6871. Open burning in Roberts Creek is regulated by SCRD Fire Protection Bylaw #631.

Backyard Burning

Backyard burning is allowed twice a year under the laws outlined in Smoke Control Bylaw #598, which include:

  • Dates: Fires are only permitted from April 1st to 15th and October 15th to November 15th when the Ventilation Index for Sechelt is rated as “Good”.
  • Property Size: Fires are only permitted on properties of one hectare or larger.
  • No Garbage: Fires are only for the purpose of disposing of vegetative yard and garden waste that originates on the property where the fire is taking place. The burning of garbage, construction waste or toxic materials is not allowed.
  • Fire Size: Fires must not exceed 2 meters in diameter and 1 meter in height. Fires must be 15 meters from any building and 5 meters from property lines and clear of all combustible material.
  • Supervision: The fire must be attended by a competent person at all times and a garden hose should be close at hand.

Smoke Control Bylaw #598 was adopted Oct. 16th, 2008 and came into effect Jan. 1st, 2009.

Campfires

Campfires are allowed year round but may be banned by the Fire Chief during high risk periods. Get updates from the BC Wildfire Service.

A campfire ban is currently in effect as of 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, July 12 across the Sunshine Coast. This ban will be in place until Thursday, October 31, 2024, or until the order is rescinded.

Land Clearing Fires

Requirements:

  • Machine piled land clearing fires are allowed year-round until banned by the Fire Chief during high risk periods and require a permit and site inspection. Call the fire hall to make an appointment during regular office hours. The fee for a permit is $25, the fine for not having one is $250.
  • Persons burning land clearing debris must comply with the B.C. Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR) - see https://www.gov.bc.ca/openburning for more OBSCR information. The toll free Venting Index Hotline number is 1-888-281-2992 - use the Sechelt forecast for the Sunshine Coast.
  • A Burn Registration number must be obtained from BC Wildfire Service at 1-888-797-1717.

The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (ENV) has many resources related to OBSCR and obtaining the Ventilation Index:

Smoke Complaints

The mandate of the fire department is to address safety. Smoke is a nuisance and does not fall within our jurisdiction.

If someone is burning in their yard and following the regulations they may continue to do so. If the smoke from someone’s fire is causing a problem for you we would encourage you to talk to them and discuss your concerns.

  • The SCRD Bylaw Enforcement Officer can be reached by email bylaw.compliance@scrd.ca or call 604-885-6800. If calling outside regular office hours follow the prompt to the answering service.
  • For complaints regarding smoke from land clearing fires or large scale burning call the Conservation Office at 1-877-952-7277.