Fire Permits and Approvals
Some construction work, public events, agricultural activities and hazardous-material installations require review or approval from Richmond Fire-Rescue. Select the permit type that best matches your proposed activity and follow the application instructions provided. Requirements and submission methods vary by permit.
Choose Your Permit Type
Select the activity that best describes your project or application. Each permit type has its own requirements, forms and submission process.
Fire Suppression Sprinkler Permits
For construction projects involving the installation, alteration or management of fire sprinkler systems.
View permit informationFireworks and Special Effects
For licensed fireworks displays, pyrotechnics and special effects taking place on private or City-owned property.
View permit informationOutdoor Burning Permits
For eligible agricultural open-air burning activities conducted during the permitted seasonal period.
View permit informationFuel Tank Installation or Removal
For above-ground or below-ground flammable and combustible fuel tanks being installed or removed.
View permit informationNot sure which permit applies?
Contact Richmond Fire-Rescue before submitting an application and our Fire Prevention team will help direct you to the right process.
Fire Suppression Sprinkler Permits
Construction projects involving the installation or alteration of a fire suppression sprinkler system may require permits and approvals before work begins. Applications are submitted and managed online through the City of Richmond’s MyPermit platform.
How to access your permit application
- 1
Create or sign in to your MyRichmond account.
- 2
Open MyPermit from your MyRichmond account.
- 3
Follow the online instructions to apply for and manage the required permit.
Questions about fire prevention requirements? Contact Richmond Fire-Rescue before beginning your application.
Fireworks and Special-Effects Permits
Richmond Fire-Rescue issues permits for professional fireworks, pyrotechnic displays and special effects taking place on private or City-owned property in Richmond.
Licensed professionals only
Fireworks displays and special effects may only be conducted by an appropriately licensed Fireworks Display Supervisor or Senior Pyrotechnician. An application does not authorize a display to proceed until the permit has been reviewed and issued.
Apply early
Submit a complete application at least 10 business days before the proposed display or event.
Submit all documents
Missing plans, credentials, insurance or authorization documents may delay the application review.
Application does not equal approval
No fireworks, pyrotechnic or special-effects activity may proceed until Richmond Fire-Rescue has reviewed the submission and issued the required permit.
Filming on City-owned property
Special effects related to filming on City-owned property must first be coordinated through the City’s Film and Major Event Liaison at filmoffice@richmond.ca .
Outdoor Burning Permits
Outdoor burning can create serious fire, smoke and public-health concerns. Limited burning may be considered for eligible agricultural activities, but applicants must receive authorization from both Richmond Fire-Rescue and Metro Vancouver.
Agricultural burning only
This permit process is intended for qualifying agricultural land and agricultural vegetative material. It is not intended for residential yard cleanup, recreational fires or the routine disposal of household branches, leaves and garden waste.
Seasonal period
Permitted outdoor burning may only take place between October 1 and April 30.
Two approvals required
A Richmond Fire-Rescue permit does not replace the required Metro Vancouver authorization.
Apply for a Richmond Fire-Rescue permit
- 1
Download the current controlled outdoor burning permit application.
- 2
Complete every required field and review all permit conditions and safety requirements.
- 3
Save the completed PDF and submit it using the permit-upload form immediately below this section.
Permits may be suspended or cancelled
Richmond Fire-Rescue may cancel an outdoor burning permit when weather, site conditions, smoke, non-compliance or other circumstances create an unacceptable fire or public-safety risk. The fire must be extinguished immediately when directed. Questions can be sent through the Richmond Fire-Rescue contact page .
Metro Vancouver Burning Information
Open burning affects both fire safety and regional air quality. Applicants must meet the requirements of Richmond Fire-Rescue and Metro Vancouver before any approved burn may begin.
Richmond Fire-Rescue Permit
Richmond Fire-Rescue reviews the proposed burning activity from a local fire-safety perspective, including the property, conditions, supervision and compliance with City requirements.
Metro Vancouver Authorization
Metro Vancouver regulates smoke and air emissions. Depending on the proposed burn, the property may require registration under the Open Burning Emission Regulation or a separate open-burning approval.
Metro Vancouver Resources
Authorization and Registration
Determine whether your proposed burn requires registration under Bylaw 1355 or an open-burning approval under Bylaw 1082.
Review authorization optionsZone 1 Ventilation Index
Check the daily burning forecast for Zone 1, which includes Richmond, before starting or continuing an authorized burn.
Check today’s forecastAlternatives to Burning
Review options such as chipping, grinding, shredding, composting, mulching and other methods of managing vegetative material.
View best-practices guideProhibited Materials
Review materials that cannot be burned, including household waste, plastics, tires, treated wood, construction waste and accelerants.
View prohibited materialsCheck conditions every day you plan to burn
Approval does not guarantee that burning is permitted on a particular day. Confirm the current Zone 1 ventilation forecast, provincial restrictions and any conditions attached to your approval before starting or continuing the burn.
Questions about Metro Vancouver authorization?
Contact Metro Vancouver’s Open Burning program at 604-432-6237 or OBER@metrovancouver.org .
Fuel Tank Installation or Removal Permits
A Richmond Fire-Rescue permit is required before installing or removing an above-ground or below-ground tank used to store flammable or combustible fuel.
Obtain approval before work begins
Submitting an application does not authorize installation, excavation, tank removal or related work. Wait until the application has been reviewed and the required permit has been issued.
Above-ground tanks
Includes applicable fuel tanks located outdoors, inside buildings or elsewhere above the surrounding ground level.
Below-ground tanks
Includes applicable underground tanks being installed, removed, replaced or otherwise altered.
Submit your permit application
- 1
Download the 2026 Tank Installation / Removal Permit Application.
- 2
Complete the form with the applicant, property, contractor, tank and fuel information.
- 3
Save the completed PDF to your computer before attempting to upload it.
- 4
Upload the completed application using the form immediately below this section. Richmond Fire-Rescue will contact you after receiving the submission.
Unsure whether your project requires this permit?
Contact Richmond Fire-Rescue before starting work. Include the property address, tank type, fuel type and a brief description of the proposed installation or removal.