Backyard Burning

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Category 2 & 3 Fire Ban Expanded to Include Category 1 Campfires

Following an announcement from the  Coastal Fire Centre , Maple Ridge Fire Rescue will expand the current Category 2 and 3 fire ban to include Category 1 fires, effective Thursday, July 16 at noon. The ban will reduce wildfire risk and help preserve public safety.  

For details, please read our Public Service Announcement.

Fire Ban Restrictions

Category 1 Campfires

A Category 1 Campfire is a fire that :
  •  contained within a pit or permanent walls 
  •  no larger than 0.5 metre in height and 0.5 metre in width, 
  • not within 15 metres of any building, structure, overhead wires or cables
  • a person 19 years of age or older is present at all times
  • a water hose connected to an available water supply and shovel are present for the duration of the fire and until it is extinguished
  • Is in the " Area Open to Burn" as shown on the interactive map
  • is lit, fuelled or used
    • by any person for a recreational purpose, or
    • by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose.
Category 2 and 3 Open Fires Remain Prohibited

Category 2 and Category 3 open burning remain prohibited, including where a permit was previously issued. The following also remain prohibited:

  • Fireworks
  • Binary exploding targets
  • Burn barrels and burn cages
  • Controlled air incinerators
  • Air curtain burners
  • Carbonizers
  • Wood fired hot tubs, wood fired pizza ovens and other wood fired devices unless vented through a structure that has a flue and is incorporated in a building 

This ban does not apply to: 

  • CSA-rated or ULC-rated barbeques 
  • CSA–rated or ULC rated camping-type stoves or portable campfire devices using propane, natural gas or briquettes (when used on private property) 

Anyone with permit related questions or concerns can email Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca or call 604 467 7305. 

Residents are advised to use alternative methods to dispose of yard waste, including dropping off at the Maple Ridge Recycling and Waste Centre at 10092 236 Street. Tipping fees apply. 

Anyone found contravening the fire ban will be liable for a fine of up to $1000. 

Related Links

gov.bc.ca/SaferBurning

 Coastal Fire Centre prohibitions and restrictions - Province of British Columbia

Report Burning

Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, call the City’s Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety department at 604-467-7305. For complaints outside of these hours, please call the Fire Department "non-emergency" number at 604-463-5880 and follow the voice prompts: Press '1' to speak to a dispatcher who will handle your concern. Thank you for doing your part to maintain a fire-safe community.

Burning Permits are no longer valid as of 12 p.m. on May 7, 2026.

Permits will be available in October for the Fall Season