Open burning and campfire rules in Armstrong and Spallumcheen, BC

Open burning season in the Township of Spallumcheen runs from November 1 to April 30. From May 1 to October 31, open burning is not allowed. Campfires are allowed all year in both the City of Armstrong and the Township, unless a campfire ban is on.

We checked these rules against the Township of Spallumcheen website on November 10, 2026. A fire ban from the Fire Chief overrides everything here.

Open burning in the Township of Spallumcheen

You can burn only these materials:

• Untreated wood
• Prunings and branches
• Tree stumps and trunks
• Shrubs

Household garbage can never be burned.

Check the venting index first

Burning is allowed only when the venting index is between 55 and 100. Check it before you light the pile. Call 1-888-281-2992, or use the BC venting index page.

Zones where you cannot burn

Open burning is banned in Residential R1 and R5 zones. R1 includes the McLeod and Udy subdivisions. R5 covers every mobile home park in the Township. To confirm your zone, call the Township office at 250-546-3013.

When you need a permit

You need a permit to burn on land that is being cleared of trees, stumps, and brush. Send the application to the Township office at least five business days before the burn. Bring it in, or email mail@spallumcheentwp.bc.ca.

Open burning in the City of Armstrong

The fire department has said that open burning is not permitted inside the City of Armstrong. Call the department at 250-546-6708 to confirm before you burn anything in town. Take yard waste to the curb or to the transfer station instead. See garbage, recycling, and yard waste. Yard waste drop-off is free.

Campfires

Campfires are allowed in every zone unless a ban is on. These are the Township’s rules:

• The fire can be up to 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide.
• It sits on a base that cannot burn, with an edge around it.
• Burn dry, untreated wood only.
• A capable person stays with the fire until it is out.
• Keep water and a shovel beside it.

Mobile home parks can ban campfires. Ask the park manager.

In 2026, a campfire ban started on July 10. Bans are posted on the City and Township websites.

If you break the rules

You can be fined. If the fire department is called to your property and you broke the Fire Prevention Bylaw, you can also be billed for the call.

Who to call

• Fire or an emergency: 911
• Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department, to report illegal burning: 250-546-6708
• Township of Spallumcheen office: 250-546-3013
• City of Armstrong, City Hall: 250-546-3023

The fire hall is at 3540 Mill Street, by Shepherds Home Hardware. The department has three full-time staff and 35 to 40 paid on-call members. It posts both sets of bylaws at asfd.ca.

Hauling brush instead

For tree removal and chipping, see landscaping, lawn, and tree care.