Maple Ridge permits allows backyard burning with a permit during spring and fall, weather permitting. In the spring, permits can be purchased starting in early April for burning during April and May. In the fall, permits can be purchased starting in early October for burning during October and November.
For details on how to purchase a permit, what properties are eligible for permit purchases, what materials it’s permissible to burn, and what types of fires are permitted, please read below.
Burning in Maple Ridge is regulated by the Outdoor Burning Regulation Bylaw. Buring is limited by the season, weather conditions, air quality, and current fire bans. Fines may be issued for non-compliance. To report a violation, visit MapleRidge.ca/Report, or call the Fire Department’s "non-emergency" number at 604-463-5880.
Permit Purchasing Information
Sale Periods and Allowed Burn Periods
In the spring, Burning Permits may be purchased from April 1 to May 15, with burning allowed from April 15 - May 15.
During the fall, Burning Permits may be purchased from October 1 to November 15, with burning permitted from October 15 - November 15.
Permits may be revoked without notice or refund if a fire ban is issued, if conditions are deemed unsafe for burning, or if the permit holder is found to be burning in contravention to the burning permit conditions. For example, a permits may be revoked if the weather turns unseasonably hot or dry, or air quality is poor.
Where to Buy Permits
Permits may be purchased online at the link below, or in person at the City Hall Revenue Services Department at 11995 Haney Place.
Pricing
A burn permit costs $75.00. Fees were updated in December, 2025 as part of a wider effort to modernize fees for City services. To learn more about the fee increase and what it supports, please review our Info Bulletin.
Apply For a Burning Permit
To apply for a burning permit during spring or fall burning season, please click here.
Where and What to Burn
Can You Burn on Your Property?
Backyard burning is only allowed on Maple Ridge properties included in the “Open to Burning” area, when conditions permit burning and with a valid permit.
Properties located in the “Closed to Burning” area are not permitted any type of wood burning fires, including open pit campfires or outdoor wood burning appliances, including outdoor stoves, pizza ovens, and chimineas.
To find out if your property is located in the “Open to Burning” area, consult the Interactive Map.
What Types of Fires are Permitted?
Backyard fires must be safely maintained.
- Fires should not be larger than 2 metres high or 2 metres in diameter
- Fires must be at least 15 metres away from any building or structure, from any overhead wires or cables, and from forest edge
- Fires must be monitored by an adult (19 years or older) at all times until the fire is fully extinguished
- A functional water hose and a shovel must be present for the duration of the fire until it is full extinguished
- Burning can only be conducted during daylight hours
What Can I Burn?
Burnable materials include leaves, branches, and other garden and yard waste that grew on the property.
Burning of the following materials is NOT allowed:
- Any materials hauled onto the property from another site
- Dimensional lumber (2-by-4-inch lumber, etc.) or waste lumber ends
- Stumps or tree branches larger than 10 cm in diameter
- Construction materials of any kind
- Old buildings, sheds, barns
- Furniture or other finished goods
- Plastics, tires, insulation
- Garbage of any kind, including paper and newspaper