Open Air Burning Permit Application

Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation

If you are planning to open burn vegetative debris in the Province of BC, you must meet the requirements of the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR). OBSCR is designed to minimize the amount of smoke released from open burning, especially in areas near people.

The regulation does not generally prohibit burning but rather aims to ensure that open burning is conducted with minimal risk to air quality. While facilitating some necessary open burning practices, the regulation also maintains air protection measures and alternatives to burning are strongly encouraged.

• OBSCR Information for all burners provides a summary of the main requirements for open burning.

Things to Know

• The Province of BC is divided into three smoke sensitivity zones: High, Medium and Low.
• Burning requirements are strictest in the “High” zone immediately around communities, while burning is made easier in the “Low” zone away from population centers.
• There are mandatory setbacks from residences, businesses, schools and hospitals.
• Provisions required for community wildfire risk reduction.
• Provisions to facilitate burning diseased debris.
• Provisions to encourage the use of cleaner-burning technologies.
• Exemptions for backyard burning and agricultural burning are defined.
• To start a burn in most populated areas of the Province a ventilation index of GOOD is required. (See the BC Ventilation Index Forecast website or call the automated toll-free ventilation index phone number 1.888.281.2992