Permits and Restrictions

Fire Danger Rating: Low

Current Burn Restrictions (updated October 21, 2024)

Category 3 FireOpen burning larger than 3m wide x 2m highPermitted, permits required1
Category 2 Fire2Open burning smaller than 3m wide x 2m highPermitted, no permit required
Domestic IncineratorsBurn barrels capped with 3/8” steel meshPermitted
Campfires3less than 0.5m (2’) widePermitted
“High-risk” activities4No restrictions

1 Contact the Fire Chief ahead of time for a Category 3 permit: saturnafirechief@gmail.com. More information on Category 3 fires here.

2 Fires must be 10m from any building, structure, fence, tree or hedge or property line. If burning woody debris thicker than 4″, you must check the Venting Index Map. More information on Category 2 fires here.

3 More information on campfires here.

4 More information on high risk activities here.

Saturna Island Burning Regulations

Outdoor burning on Saturna Island is regulated primarily by CRD Bylaw 4489. An excellent guide to the bylaw is here.

Information about the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation, which governs the ventilation index, can be found here.

NO FIRES ANYTIME of any kind are permitted in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (National Park)

The fire chief and his/her agents take direction from the BC Wildfire Service, the CRD bylaw, and nearby fire departments on when to permit or prohibit various burning and other outdoor activities that entail fire risk. Ultimately, the fire chief has the authority under the CRD bylaw to determine when to restrict or allow any activities that involve risk of fire.