Domestic Brush Burning - Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to obtain a burning permit?

For Category 1 fires (burning of piles smaller than two metres by three metres) and campfires - no, but you now need to check the burn restrictions to see when you are allowed to burn.

For Category 2,3, and 4 fires – yes, you do still require to obtain a burning permit if you are burning piles larger than two metres by three metres and will have more than four piles burning at once, and if you are clearing land for building a structure, for agriculture or for blueberry burning over two hectares. Apply online for a burning permit. You must also check the Fire Weather Index (FWI) to see that current weather conditions allow for burning. 

PLEASE NOTE: Always check your municipal bylaws before any burning.

View details on the different Categories of Outdoor Fires.

When do I need to check the burn restrictions map vs the Fire Weather Index (FWI)?

During the wildland fire season, it is required that you check burn restrictions before you ignite a Category 1 fire, or the Fire Weather Index (FWI) for Category 2, 3, or 4 fires (wind speeds must also be less than 20 km/hr).

My county is red on the burn restrictions map – what does that mean?

In counties coloured red on the burning restrictions map (designated "non-burning"), domestic brush burning is NOT permitted.

My county is yellow on the burn restrictions map — what does that mean?

In counties coloured yellow on the burning restrictions map (designated as "restricted") domestic brush burning is permitted ONLY between 7 pm and 8 am.

My county is green on the burn restrictions map — what does that mean?

In counties coloured green on the burning restrictions map (designated "burn"), domestic brush burning is permitted between 2 pm and 8 am.

My county is grey on the burn restrictions map - what does that mean?

In counties coloured grey on the burning restrictions map (between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm), open fires are NOT permitted.

Can I have an open fire in the morning?

No. Regardless of what colour the map shows, there is NO domestic brush burning is permitted on Prince Edward Island between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm; there may be exceptions made for Category 2, 3 and 4 fires.

You may burn in the morning if the fires are extinguished before 8:00 am.

Campfires are permitted during the day for cooking and warmth or at licensed campgrounds no larger than 0.5 metres in diameter.

Can I burn brush in the morning?

Any domestic brush category 1 fires need to be extinguished before 8:00 am every day.

Why can't I burn brush during the morning or day?

In the interest of public safety, we limit burning during the day so that fires do not become well established prior to the peak burning period of 4:00pm-6:00pm.

What is considered "brush burning" for Category 1 fires?

Category 1 brush burning is burning (for no remuneration) woody debris in two piles or fewer which are no wider than three metres and no taller than two metres.

What constitutes a campfire?

Any open fire that burns no larger than 0.5 metres in diameter and is intended for recreation or survival is considered a campfire.  Unless a fire closure order is in effect, recreational campfires are permitted with permission of the property owner and subject to local bylaws. Any active fire closure order will be posted on the recreational campfire page.

What about burning in chimneys, fire pits, and other backyard burning appliances?

If the fire is not in an enclosed CSA approved appliance, the fire is considered to be an open fire. A chimney is an open fire.

PLEASE NOTE: Always check your municipal bylaws, or contact your municipal office, before doing either type of burning.

When the burn restriction map is red ("no burn"), what appliances am I allowed to use?

When the burn restrictions map is red (designated "no burn"), propane or charcoal-fuelled appliances such as BBQs, propane or natural gas fire bowls and Coleman-style camp stoves CAN be used.

When the burn restrictions map is red (designated "non-burning"), can I use charcoal in a fire pit?

No, charcoal can only be used in an appliance designed for charcoal.

Some municipal bylaws vary from provincial rules – which do we follow?

Check and follow your municipal bylaws first. Your municipality may have a burn restriction that supersedes the provincial burn restrictions map. Municipal restrictions may include: the time burning is permitted, the type of burning appliance that is permitted, the location in the municipality where burning is allowed or not, etc.

When is the wildfire-risk season?

The wildfire-risk season is from March 15th - November 15th, inclusive.

What is considered woods?

"Woods" means forest land and rock barren, brush land, dry marsh, bog or muskeg.