Incidental Outdoor Burning Permits

2024 Fall Burning Season: Pending rainfall, air quality conditions and restrictions that may be implemented by Metro Vancouver and government ministries, the Township of Langley will begin issuing burning permits, online only, starting Monday, October 21.

Permits will be valid from October 21 to December 1, 2024. Updates will be posted here and on our social media.

All outdoor burning in the Township of Langley requires a valid Incidental Burning Permit.

Incidental Outdoor Burning Permits are intended for yard and garden cleanup and are available only to properties 0.2 hectare (0.5 acre) and larger and in areas where surrounding properties are equal or greater in size than 0.2 hectare.

Burning permits are available only during the spring and fall seasons, subject to air quality conditions and restrictions that may be implemented by Metro Vancouver and government ministries, and significant amount of rain to result in ground saturation. Specific dates will be announced on our website and social media.

How to obtain a burning permit

Fall burning permits will be available, online only, starting Monday, October 21.

Homeowners: Complete the homeowner application form

Tenants: Complete the tenant application form and the Registered Owner Authorization form

Note: Processing may take longer than usual initially due to the volume of applications received in a short time. If you do not intend to burn immediately, it is recommended to apply later to minimize the impact on the system and reduce your waiting time. Your patience is appreciated.

Burning guidelines and safety measures

Burning guidelines

burning guidelines showing proper size

Make the pile wide and long rather than high. This will spread the heat and be safer.

burning guidelines showing proper berth

Live power lines require a wide berth. Consider the radiant heat and smoke the burn will generate. Smoke and ash can cause power lines to arc, and the heat will damage the lines.

burning guidelines showing proper distance from fences and properties

Stay away from fences and property boundaries. Consider local residents. Maintain a clear area between piles and any other combustible materials.

burning guidelines showing proper distance from trees

Try to choose a space with open canopy away from the base of trees. Wait until the piles have been burned or removed before planting.
Safety measures
  • Before lighting the pile, ensure suitable tools (rakes and shovels) are handy to conduct the burn and control any possible spot fires.
  • Accelerants (such as gasoline) must never be used in/on the pile.
  • Ensure there is a sufficient water supply to extinguish the burn; have a hose with appropriate length and water pressure to reach around the pile.
  • Ensure protective clothing is worn.
  • Constantly supervise the burn to ensure there are no flare-ups in surrounding vegetation.
  • Completely extinguish the pile immediately after the burn is finished. Spread burned material after the burn to quickly extinguish smouldering material.

Frequently asked questions

How long will my burning permit be valid?
Burning permits for the fall 2024 burning season will be valid from October 21 to December 1. During this burning period, Metro Vancouver or government ministries could still implement air quality conditions and restrictions.
Do I need to display my burning permit?
Your valid burning permit must be kept on site (either on your phone or printed) and accessible to Fire Department personnel while burning is taking place.
What can I burn?
Branches, leaves, plants, tree trimmings, and weeds.

What items cannot be burned?

Prohibited materials include:

  • furniture or other finished goods
  • garbage of any kind
  • old buildings
  • sheds
  • barns
  • plastics
  • tires
  • insulation

How big can the fire be?

Clearance and Size Regulation:

  • pile size maximum height: 1.2 metres (3 feet)
  • pile size maximum length/width: 2 metres (6 feet)
  • minimum 15 metres (50 feet) from structures and property lines

fire pile size mazimums

If you have further questions, contact fireinfo@tol.ca.