The Maple Ridge Fire Department has lifted the ban on Category 2 and 3 open fires following the Coastal Fire Centre ban ending last week.

As residents prepare for the fall burning season and events, the City reminds everyone about the rules for open burning and that fireworks are prohibited without a permit.

Burning Regulations and Permits

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: October 15 to November 15
• Spring Burning Season: April 15 to May 15

Burning permits for fall 2024 will be available starting October 1. Apply online at MapleRidge.ca/Burning or in person at City Hall (11995 Haney Place).

• Category 2 Fires: Includes 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: Larger burns requiring ongoing monitoring, including piles over 2 metres high or wide, and burning stubble or grass on areas over 0.2 hectares.

Activities Now Permitted

With the ban lifted, the following activities are permitted only in Open Burning areas (see map):

• 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.

Fireworks and Firecrackers – Know the Rules

The sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited in Maple Ridge without a permit. Fireworks pose serious risk and safety hazards to the community, pets and wildlife. 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.

Reporting Violations

• To report the sale or use of fireworks, contact Bylaw, Licensing, and Community Safety 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

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Media Contact:

Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement

T: 604-466-4319 C: 778-955-4249

E: ppurewal@mapleridge.ca