With the long, dry summer finally giving way to rainy weather and cooler temperatures, the autumn burning season will soon start in the Township of 91原创.

Burning permits will be issued from Monday, Oct. 16 to Thursday, Nov. 30, providing property size and proof of land ownership requirements are met. All permits expire on Nov. 30 and a permit must be acquired before any burning can take place.

鈥淥pen air burning is normally prohibited throughout the Township of 91原创 to protect people and the environment from pollution, and to prevent fires from getting out of control when conditions are dry and dangerous,鈥� said Township Assistant Fire Chief Pat Walker.

鈥淏ut twice a year, in the spring and fall, burning season is held when cooler, wetter weather conditions give residents in rural areas the chance to dispose of yard and garden vegetation or to clear land.鈥�

Walker noted that burning is not allowed and permits will not be issued for the urban areas of Aldergrove, Murrayville, Brookswood, Walnut Grove, Fort 91原创 and Willoughby.

For rural residents wanting to clean up their yard and garden vegetation, burning permits are $25. They are available only for properties that are .2 hectare (half an acre) and larger, and located in areas where surrounding properties are equal or greater in size than .2 hectare.

Permits are available at the Township Civic Facility, Fire Hall 6 in Murrayville, Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre, George Preston Recreation Centre, Walnut Grove Community Centre and Willoughby Community Centre (Gate 5 at the 91原创 Events Centre). Due to scheduled maintenance this fall, burning permits will not be available at the W.C. Blair Recreation Centre.

Those on properties larger than 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) who would like to clear land and dispose of debris must also obtain a permit. Land clearing permits cost $250 and are only available at Fire Hall 6 in Murrayville, at 22170 50 Ave. Applicants must meet Metro Vancouver and waste management prerequisites for clearances, time limits, and recycling. Fires may have to be accelerated by the use of forced air techniques. Permits will be site specific and for a short duration, and an inspection may be required before a permit is issued.

Documentation of home ownership is required when purchasing either type of burning permit. Applicants who are not the registered owner of the property must download and fill out a Registered Owner Authorization form at , or bring a letter from the owner allowing the applicant to purchase an outdoor burning permit for the property.

If a spouse is not on the title of the property but has the same last name, a valid driver鈥檚 licence with the address of the fire location will be accepted. If the spouse has a different last name, a letter from the registered owner or a completed authorization form is required.

The Township has a zero tolerance policy for burning offences and those caught burning illegally can face fines of $200 or higher.

For more information, visit or call the Township Fire Department at 604-532-7500.