Nanaimo's Fire Rescue is reminding residents backyard burning is banned unless they have a permit.
The city encourages residents planning backyard burns to familiarize themselves with the fire bylaw and the required conditions to obtain a permit.
Burning permits may be issued for an open burning fire on a lot that is .4 hectare in size or larger or for lots located on Protection Island.
Burning is only permitted from sunrise to sunset, Fridays and Saturdays, during the months of April and November.
Only organic yard waste materials such as garden refuse and prunings may be burned. Burning wooden construction material, stumps, land clearing debris or household garbage is not permitted.
Fires must not exceed 1.5 meters in width, must be hand fed and located at least 3 meters from any combustibles. A hose must be located nearby and at the ready to extinguish the fire.
Burning permits can be obtained by calling Nanaimo Fire Rescue at 250-753-7311.
To review the Fire Bylaw, please visit the Nanaimo Fire Rescue webpage at fire.nanaimo.ca.