To protect public safety and air quality, the Town of Ladysmith regulates when and how fires may be lit. Additionally, the Province, via the Coastal Fire Centre, also imposes restrictions on a seasonal basis to prevent human-caused wildfires.

CURRENT RESTRICTIONS

Effective July 17, 2025, all open burning is banned within the Town of Ladysmith until further notice.

The burning ban includes:

  • Campfires and open fires of any size.
  • Fireworks or firecrackers.
  • Tiki torches or similar torches.
  • Sky Lanterns and Chimineas.
  • Burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description.
  • Binary exploding targets (e.g. for rifle target practice).

The ban does not apply to CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes, or to portable campfire devices that burn briquettes or liquid/gaseous fuel, provided the flame height stays below 15 centimetres.

Additional information on the open burning ban can be found on the Coastal Fire Centre or the Province's website.

Coastal Fire Centre Bans and Restrictions        BC Fire Bans and Restrictions 

YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Outdoor fire restrictions are in place year-round in Ladysmith in order to protect public safety and the Town’s air quality.

In Ladysmith, you cannot:

  • Start or maintain an outdoor fire unless it's expressly permitted by bylaw.
  • Burn toxic, explosive, corrosive or noxious materials, including herbicides or pesticides.
  • Burn materials brought in from other locations.
  • Light an outdoor fire without a required permit.
  • Start a fire without proper supervision or fire-extinguishing equipment.
CAMPFIRES & OUTDOOR FIREPLACES

Campfires are allowed in Ladysmith provided they meet the following conditions:

  • Must be at least 5 metres away from buildings, sheds, shrubs, grassy areas, or property lines.
  • Must be fully contained (e.g., in a fire ring or fireplace).
  • Must be no larger than 0.5 metres in height and width.
  • Must be properly supervised and safely extinguished when done.
  • Must not violate any provincial orders restricting campfires or outdoor burning.
FIREWORKS

If you want to use fireworks or firecrackers in Ladysmith, you need a permit. To obtain a permit, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Complete an application form.
  • Pay a $10 permit fee.
  • Drop off your completed application form at City Hall (410 Esplanade Avenue).
WOOD-BURNING APPLIANCES

If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace in Ladysmith, you are not allowed to burn prohibited materials.

New installations must meet emission standards set by:

  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
  • As per BC Regulation 302/94 (Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation).
FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS

Different types of outdoor fires fall under specific fire classifications, each with its own rules and restrictions.

Here's what they are and whether they’re allowed in Ladysmith.

Fire Class

Description

Permission

Class 1

Special occasion or ceremonial fire

Allowed, only if approved by a Town officer

Class 2

Garden waste fire (leaves, grass clippings, branches) on properties under 1 hectare

Not permitted

Class 3

Demolition/construction waste fire (max. 0.5 m³)

Not permitted

Garden Refuse Fire

Any fire burning yard waste

 Not permitted
NEED A FIRE PERMIT?

Some fires may be permitted for special events. If you're unsure whether you need a permit or want to apply, please e-mail Ladysmith Fire/Rescue at dispatch@ladysmith.ca.

REPORT BURNING VIOLATIONS

The Town of Ladysmith takes burning violations seriously. If you’ve witnessed a campfire during a ban or someone setting off fireworks without permission, please report it to us.

You can report violations by contacting our Bylaw Department 250.245.6446 or by email at be@ladysmith.ca

When reporting, include the address and street where the violation occurred, along with the time and type of activity.