The City of Maple Ridge has updated the cost of outdoor burning permits for the 2026 season to support fire safety, protect air quality and reflect the increasing cost of service delivery.
The fee has increased from $25 to $75, following Council’s adoption of updates to the Fees & Charges (Consolidated) Bylaw in December 2025. This is the first increase to burn permit fees since they were introduced in 1997.
Why the fee has changed
The updated fee better reflects the current cost of delivering this service and is in line with neighbouring municipalities. Over the past three decades, the cost of administering permits and responding to outdoor burning-related concerns has increased significantly.
The fee helps cover:
- Permit processing and administration
- Fire prevention inspections
- Complaint response and bylaw enforcement
- Firefighter readiness in case a burn gets out of control
- Smoke and nuisance management
Updating the fee also supports a more equitable approach, where those using a specialized service contribute to its cost, rather than relying on general tax revenues.
Supporting safety and air quality
Outdoor burning can impact both fire safety and air quality. Burn permits help the City regulate when and how burning occurs to:
- Reduce the risk of fires spreading
- Minimize smoke impacts on neighbours
- Protect local air quality
In 2025, fire-related bylaw complaints increased by more than 30%, demonstrating the need for careful management of outdoor burning.
Many municipalities in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley restrict or fully prohibit routine residential outdoor burning, often limiting to agricultural or rural properties during specific season windows.
Burn permit season
- Permit sales begin: April 10, 2026
- Burning season: April 15 to May 15
Residents must obtain a valid permit before conducting any outdoor burning, where permitted, to avoid fines of $200 per instance.
Alternatives to outdoor burning
Residents are encouraged to consider safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives to burning yard waste:
- Free yard waste chipping program provided in partnership with Ridge Meadows Recycling Society in Spring and Fall. Details at rmrecycling.org.
- Yard waste drop-off at the Maple Ridge Recycling Station
For more information on outdoor burning regulations, safety guidelines, and permit applications visit: MapleRidge.ca/Burning.
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E Media@mapleridge.ca
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do I need a burn permit? Burn permits allow the City to regulate outdoor burning to ensure it is done safely and responsibly. This helps prevent fires from spreading, protects neighbouring properties, and reduces impacts on the air we breathe.
Why did the fee increase so much? The previous fee of $25 had not changed since 1997. The new fee reflects today’s costs to administer permits, respond to complaints, and ensure fire crews are ready to respond if needed.
Where does the money from permit fees go? Permit fees help cover the cost of delivering the service, including administration, inspections, enforcement, and fire response readiness. This reduces the need to fund these services through general taxes.
How does this compare to other municipalities? Fees vary across the region. Some municipalities charge less, while others charge more or do not allow residential burning at all. Maple Ridge’s fee is within the typical range.
What happens if I burn without a permit? Burning without a valid permit may result in fines ($200 per instance) or enforcement action. If a fire gets out of control, the property owner may also be responsible for the cost of fire department response.
Are there alternatives to burning? The City partners with the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society to offer a free chipping program for yard waste in Spring and Fall for residents to get rid of tree clippings and yard waste that may otherwise be burned. Residents can also safely dispose of yard waste and tree clippings by drop-off at the Maple Ridge Recycling and Waste Centre. Minimum fees for yard waste disposal start at $10 (for up to 80kg) and increase by weight at a rate of $124 per tonne.
Where can I get more information or apply for a permit? Visit MapleRidge.ca/Burning for full details, safety guidelines, and to apply for a permit.