Fire Restrictions

Fire Restrictions in Ladysmith

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 May 7, 2026, all open burning activities in Ladysmith (and Vancouver Island) will be prohibited until October 31, 2026. 

This follows a directive from the BC Wildfire Service, which is implementing a ban on Category 1 (campfires), as well as Category 2 and Category 3 (open fires), for the Coastal Fire Centre effective at noon on May 7.

The ban includes:
- Campfires and open fires (any size)
- Fireworks and firecrackers
- Tiki torches and Chimineas
- Sky lanterns
- Burning barrels/cages
- Binary exploding targets (rifle practice)
- Controlled air incinerators
- 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

Alllowed:
- CSA/ULC-rated gas, propane, or briquette stoves and portable campfire devices, as long as flames stay under 15 cm.

These measures are being taken to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires associated with open burning activities.

For information on regional and provincial fire bans, please visit 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 at any time:

• 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.
• Conduct backyard burning.
• Use burn barrels, burn cages or sky lanterns.

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.

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.