Frequently Asked Questions

BC Burn Facts

Did you know that:

Every day 17 fires causing damage occur in British Columbia.
Every day someone is injured by fire in British Columbia.
Fire causes approximately $410,000 damage each day in B.C.
Fire kills in British Columbia every 10 days.
39% of burn injuries in British Columbia are caused by hot liquids or vapours.
47% of burn injuries in British Columbia are caused by fires.
37% of persons burned in fires are between 20 to 44 years of age.
Persons aged 1 to 14 years have the second highest incidence of burn injuries from fire.
The majority of fire injuries occur in private dwellings.
The ignition of flammable liquids and substances such as cooking fats and gasoline are major causes of burn injuries from fire.
Having a working smoke alarm in your home cuts your risk of dying in a fire.

*Source Office of the Fire Commissioner

Disposal of Hazardous Materials

How do I get rid of my hazardous products?
To find out how to dispose of your hazardous home products such as, paint, pesticides, solvents, aerosols, car batteries and others call the Recycling Council of British Columbia at 604.732.9253 or visit their website at www.rcbc.bc.ca for information specific to our community.

Please direct your written notices to:
New Westminster Fire Services
1 East Sixth Ave
New Westminster, B.C. V3L 4G6
Fax 604.520.7602

Penalties
The charge for each false alarm that the Fire Department or Police attends are as follows:

No Fee - the first two false alarms in a calendar year
$200.00 - the third and fourth false alarms in a calendar year
$300.00 for the fifth and each subsequent false alarm in a calendar year

Where a fee is charged, the City will invoice the owner of the real property for the response service.

If false alarm infractions are not paid, the amount is added onto the property owner's taxes at the end of the calendar year in which the infraction was issued. Once this charge is added to the taxes, it becomes "taxes in arrears" and is subject to interest charges.

For more information on New Westminster False Alarm Program, contact:

New Westminster Fire Services

1 East Sixth Ave
New Westminster, B.C. V3L 4G6
Fax 604.520.7602
Tel 604.519.1004

Quick Links
Fire Protection Bylaw 6940, 2004.

Fireworks Regulations
Every year fireworks seriously injure people and cause millions of dollars in property damage. The New Westminster Fire Department encourages fireworks safety with the following regulations. Complete fireworks regulations are detailed in Section 26 of The Fire Protection Bylaw No. 6940, 2004. (LINK)

Can I purchase fireworks in New Westminster?
In the best interest of community safety, the City of New Westminster, like many other municipalities, has banned the sale of any fireworks within the City.

When can I be in possession off fireworks?
Low Hazard Fireworks may be possessed only within that time period commencing at 12:01 a.m. on the 28th day of October and ending at 12:01 a.m. on the 1st day of November and Low Hazard Fireworks may be set off only within that time period commencing at 4:00 p.m. on the 31st of October and ending at 12:01 a.m. on the 1st day of November.

Where can I obtain a Fireworks Event Permit?
Application to detonate low hazard fireworks must be made in person at Glenbrook Fire Hall located at 1 East 6th Ave, 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. You must comply with the terms of the permit at least seven working days prior to October 31st. The fee for a permit is $100 + GST. You must be at least 18 years of age to handle fireworks. Click here to view a sample permit.

Where can I set off fireworks?
Fireworks can be set off:

on private property and only with the knowledge and consent of the occupant
as part of a public event controlled by a public body or society. Written permission from the Fire Chief is required for public functions and may be obtained by contacting the Fire Department as noted below.
Anyone found not complying with this regulation may be fined $100 and/or subject to formal enforcement proceedings.

For more information on New Westminster’s fireworks regulations, contact:
New Westminster Fire Services
1 East Sixth Ave
New Westminster, B.C. V3L 4G6
Phone: 604.519.1004
Fax 604.520.7602

Business Hours
8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)

Outdoor Burning

Open Air Burning
Fire Protection Bylaw 6940, 2004 states;

25. OUTDOOR BURNING AND CAMP FIRES

25.1 No person shall at any time start, light, ignite or burn, or knowingly permit or cause to be started, lighted, ignited or burn any fire of any kind whatsoever in the open air or in any portable incinerator or other portable appliance or device whatsoever in the open air, except where such fire is contained within a portable appliance or device and is used solely for the cooking and preparation of food and is fuelled by propane, natural gas or charcoal.

25.2 The burning in the open air of garden refuse, in the nature of grass and other clippings, leaves, tree and shrub pruning, cuttings and light material, all waste material from construction sites or any land clearing materials is hereby prohibited.

25.3 Where the Director of Fire and Rescue Services considers that conditions are safe, they may issue permits for camp fires within specified portions of the City.

25.4 Notwithstanding any other provision of this bylaw, the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services may burn buildings, structures, or other materials for the purpose of training its personnel in structural firefighting methods, fire investigation procedures or for the purpose of elimination of hazards.

For information on the current burning ban restrictions, check out the Ministry of Forests website.

New Westminster Fire & Rescue Services has a zero tolerance for illegal burning. Fines are issued accordingly.

Keep it Safe
Regardless of the type of open air fire you are having, always use caution.

NEVER use flammable liquids, such as gasoline, to start your fire.
Remove all vegetation and other material that could spread the fire.
Maintain close supervision of children and pets.
Keep your fire on a non-combustible surface at least 50 feet from structures.
Have an adequate supply of water available to extinguish or control the fire.
Pay attention to wind conditions and potential spark hazards.

Be a Good Neighbour
While burning, it is your obligation to ensure that smoke does not interfere with the ability of your neighbours to enjoy their properties or conduct their business without disruption. Watch where your smoke travels and do not burn when there are smog alerts, foggy conditions or wind that will carry your smoke in a direction that will disrupt adjacent roadways or properties.

Questions or Concerns
If you have questions regarding open air burning or wish to obtain authorization to conduct open air burning, please contact:

For more information on issues related to fire services, contact:
Tel 604.519.1004
Fax 604.520.7602

Location and Mailing Address
#1 Glenbrook Fire Hall
1 East Sixth Ave
New Westminster, B.C., V3L-4G6

Business Hours
8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)