The Maple Ridge Fire Department has lifted the ban on campfires and larger open burning following the Coastal Fire Centre ban ending recently.
As residents prepare for the fall burning season and Halloween events, the city is reminding the public about bylaws for open burning, and that fireworks are prohibited without a permit.
Residents planning Category 2 or 3 open burns must get a valid permit. Open burning is only permitted in designated areas during these timeframes:
• Fall burning season: Oct. 15 to Nov. 15
• Spring burning season: April 15 to May 15
Burning permits for fall 2024 will be available starting Oct. 1. Apply online at MapleRidge.ca/Burning or in person at city gall (11995 Haney Place).
Category 2 fires include burning small piles of material (up to 2 metres high by 3 metres wide) or stubble over areas less than 0.2 hectares.
Category 3 fires are larger burns requiring ongoing monitoring, including piles over two metres high or wide, and burning stubble or grass on areas over 0.2 hectares.
With the ban lifted, the following activities are permitted only in open burning areas:
• Tiki torches and similar outdoor torches
• Chimineas and outdoor stoves without CSA or ULC rating
• Fireworks and firecrackers (with a permit)
• Sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, air curtain burners
• Burn barrels or burn cages of any size
Campfires are allowed without a permit in designated areas, but must be attended and fully extinguished. Fires must be no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. Avoid lighting campfires in windy conditions and create a fireguard by clearing flammable material around the site.
The sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited in Maple Ridge without a permit. Violators face fines of $500 to $1000 and will be required to surrender their fireworks. To apply for a special event fireworks permit, contact the city's bylaws department at bylaws@mapleridge.ca or 604-467-7305.
To report the sale or use of fireworks, contact bylaws at bylaws@mapleridge.ca or call 604-467-7305.
To report the explosion of fireworks, contact Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue Services at fire@mapleridge.ca or call 604-463-5880.
For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/Fireworks
