Outdoor fire safety

You must have a permit to burn any material or substance, such as: waste, paper, wood, vegetation, or any flammable substance in the ambient air or in a receptacle where emissions are vented directly into the air without passing through a chimney or stack. Cooking food on an appliance designed for that purpose (barbecue) is allowed on private property and in some parks and beach areas.

Typically, open burning permits are approved for special occasions, ceremonial events, filming, and so on.  For more information about getting a permit for open burning in:

• The city, contact the Fire Prevention Office
• Vancouver parks, contact the Vancouver Park Board

Read the open air fires bulletin PDF file (542 KB)

Use the following procedures to safely cook outdoors:

• Keep flammable liquids away from live coals to avoid explosions and burns
• Keep children safely away from the barbecue fire
• Before you start your barbeque, make sure the stand is level and steady
• Keep a container of water nearby when the coal is burning
• To start a charcoal fire, use an approved charcoal electric starter or chemicals in cake form. Never use gasoline, naptha, or other flammable materials to start a charcoal fire
• Never add fire starter after you have started your barbecue to speed a slow fire or rekindle a dying fire; tuck dry kindling under coals
• When you are finished cooking, soak the coals with water to prevent their re-ignition
• Never keep damp or wet charcoals in an unventilated area; drying coals can spontaneously combust

• Obey all fire laws, ordinances, and regulations
• Use tents made of flame-retardant fabric. Paraffin-coated cotton tents can burn up in a few minutes, possibly trapping someone inside
• Never use candles or matches in or near a tent; use flashlights and electric lanterns. Take extra care when using electricity and lighting in or near a tent
• Keep heaters well away from walls, pillows, camping chairs, and all contents of the tent
• If open fires are permitted, build your fire downwind, far away from your tent. Before leaving the fire, douse it with water to make sure it is out
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. A portable smoke alarm is also recommended
• Never leave fuel for propane/gasoline type stoves in the trunk of the car any longer than needed to transport it. If you are driving more than a few hours with fuel in your vehicle, stop periodically to open the trunk and ventilate the compartment
• Never freshen a fire with a liquid starter; explosions can result
• Keep liquid fuel away from your tent and children

• Keep your yard clear of excess clutter and debris including vegetation and materials
  • Properly dispose of items rather than keeping them in your yard such as old tires, left over wood, furniture, and other household items
  • These items can contribute to debris piles located close to the home
• Consider putting green bins and garbage bins out the morning of pick up, not the night before
  • Make sure that bins have lids and are not located under eaves of your home or garage
• Store items outside in a safe place such as under your deck or in a shed
  • Hoarding outside of the home is just as hazardous as inside. This creates a dangerous environment for firefighters in case of an emergency
• Safely dispose of smoking materials in a deep, sturdy ashtray
  • Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants, landscaping, dried grasses, or leaves - these can ignite easily
  • Before you throw away butts, make sure they are doused in water or sand
• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outside
  • Place grill well away from the home, out from under eaves and away from vegetation
  • Never leave cooking unattended

Visual tips to firesmart your home PDF file (2 MB)

Print these tips for home PDF file (419 KB)