Burning & Fire Bylaws

Burning regulation:

It is unlawful for any person at any time within the municipality to light, ignite, start, maintain, or knowingly permit, allow or cause to be lighted, ignited, started maintained, any fire of any kind whatsoever in the open air.

Notwithstanding the above, the Fire Chief may issue a permit with terms and conditions he feels are reasonably fit for the protection of safety for the following specific types of open air fire for the purpose of:

  • disease and pest control
  • fire suppression training
  • ethnic and cultural observances
  • special events

For more information, download the Fire Protection and Control Bylaw, which:

  • Specifies powers for Fire Department operations
  • Regulates fire prevention inspections
  • Includes burning regulations
  • Bylaw No. 2911 (An amendment to the Fire Protection and Control Bylaw, 2011, No. 2783.)

Other Fire Department permits, bylaws and processes include:

  • Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous) Bylaw (A bylaw regarding fees and charges associated with high angle rescue.)
  • Smoke Alarm Bylaw (Requires single family dwellings to have hard wired (110-V powered) smoke alarms.)  
  • Fireworks and permit process:
    • Fireworks Bylaw governs the sale and discharge of fireworks.
    • Permits for fireworks may be applied for no less than 30 days prior to the intended date with proof of a valid Fireworks Supervisor Certificate.
  • False Alarm Bylaw regulates in relation to alarm systems in order to reduce false alarms.
  • Lockbox Bylaw requires that commercial buildings install a lockbox.
  • Outdoor burning and permit process:

    • Outdoor burning is not permitted in the Township of Esquimalt. This means backyard fires, fire pits, chimineas, and any other type of outdoor burning other than propane or natural gas fire pits are not allowed.
    • However, an Open Burning Permit may be applied for certain special events and religious ceremonies.
    • See our printable outdoor burning brochure
  • Esquimalt Fire Department provides tower cran rescue by a third party agreement: