Open Air Burning

General Outdoor Burning Restrictions

Coquitlam does not permit outdoor burning including burning of grass clippings, branches or other waste, as well as the use of many outdoor appliances. Please refer to the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw (PDF) for further details. Exceptions to this rule, as noted below, are for properties having provincial Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) status.

The only acceptable appliances are those that meet all of the following criteria:

  • Specifically designed for cooking food
  • Fueled by natural gas, propane or charcoal briquettes
  • Used solely for cooking food

Outdoor Heaters

Operating an appliance specifically designed as an outdoor heater, provided such appliance is certified by an accredited certification body recognized and in good standing with the Standards Council of Canada, is not considered open air burning.

Barbeques

During periods of extreme fire danger, the use of BBQs in public places may be restricted and a permit may be required for use. Please consult the Recreation Parks and Culture and Fire/Rescue Departments for additional information.

Download the Barbeque Ban Exemption Permit (PDF).

Failure to adhere to the open air burning restrictions is an offence and subject to a $100 fine.

Burning on Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Designated Properties

Bylaw Amendment Number 4660, 2016 (PDF) to the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw (PDF) now requires that occupants of Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) designated properties obtain burning permits.

Please note:

  • Burning permits will only be issued during the periods of March 1 through May 31 and September 1 through November 30 during the year.
  • Permits will only be issued during periods where the fire danger rating is at ’moderate’ or less.

Download the Open Air Burning Permit - ALR Lands (PDF).

Metro Vancouver Requirements

In addition to municipal requirements, all industry, trades, businesses and agricultural landowners are required to apply to Metro Vancouver for an Open Burning Approval (PDF) prior to conducting an open burn. These approvals include requirements to minimize air emissions from open burning. For more information, please visit the Metro Vancouver Open Burning page.

Only burn when Metro Vancouver’s Open Burning Advisory indicates that burning is allowed. You must call 604-436-6777 and follow the prompts to find out whether open burning is allowed each day you plan to burn.This information is available daily after 8:30 a.m.

Contact Metro Vancouver before conducting any open air burning via the Notification Form.

Consider alternatives to open burning by visiting Metro Vancouver’s Alternatives to Open Burning Best Practices Guide (PDF).