Public Safety
Outdoor Burning

Residential Burning of Yard and Garden Refuse

Within the URBAN Containment Boundary: NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME

• In RURAL areas (outside the Urban Containment Boundary): OCTOBER 16 TO APRIL 30 inclusive

1. Open air burning of garden refuse is permitted on Friday from sunrise to sunset and Saturday from sunrise to noon in a pile up to 1 metre (3 feet) in diameter, or in a domestic incinerator fitted with a metal screen having 9.5 mm (3/8 inch) or smaller mesh. No permit is required.
2. A Special Open Air Burning Permit may be issued to allow burning of garden refuse in a pile up to 2 metres (6 feet) in diameter. Burning is permitted any day of the week, between sunrise and sunset, and permits are issued for a maximum of 7 days Permit fee: $10.00.

The material burned is to be clean and dry, and in a condition that provides for safe and proper combustion. PAPER PRODUCTS ARE NOT TO BE BURNED, OTHER THAN FOR STARTING A GARDEN REFUSE FIRE. GARBAGE, CONSTRUCTION WASTE, DEMOLITION MATERIAL, RUBBER, ANIMAL AND ORGANIC WASTE IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE BURNED.

Clearance Requirements:

• Location of Open Air Burning Refuse pile: 7.6 m (25 ft) from any building, wooden fence or property line.
• Location of Domestic Incinerators: 1.5 m (5 ft) from any grass, shrub, tree, wooden fence or property line and 7.6 m (25 ft) from any building.

Beach Fires

Effective Monday, November 1, 2010, Beach Fires are no longer permitted at any location within the Municipality.

For more information please click on the following links:  Beach Fire Update, Beach Fire Discussion Paper Respondents, Beach Fire Discussion Paper Mar 2010

Voluntary No Burning Days

On days when the Victoria Weather Office forecasts an air inversion or a low ventilation rating, residents and burning permit holders are requested to voluntarily curtail all outdoor burning. The status of ventilation and smoke dispersion is available during the permitted burning season by phoning the Saanich Fire Department SMOKE ABATEMENT HOTLINE - 475-5501

NOTE: The Voluntary No Burning Program also applies for wood burning stoves, fireplace inserts,factory-built and masonry fireplaces. Exemptions: pellet stoves, primary solid fuel fired heating systems that serve as the sole heat source, and approved solid fuel burning appliances meeting EPA emission standards.

Saanich Supports a Healthy Environment

Saanich supports a Healthy Environment. For current information on the status of non-burning (recycling) alternatives, please telephone:

• Saanich Municipal Recycling, 475-1775 Local 3448
• CRD Recycling Hotline, 360-3030

For Further Information or to Obtain a Permit Please Contact:

• Fire Prevention, 760 Vernon Avenue, 475-5500
• Saanich Fire Department, Public Information Line 475-5501
• No. 1 Fire Station, 760 Vernon Avenue, 475-6111
• No. 2 Fire Station, 4595 Elk Lake Drive, 479-1531
• No. 3 Fire Station, 1900 McKenzie Avenue, 477-2515