Many prescribed fire grants in Canada require you to have an approved burn plan before they will even consider your application. For programs like Cultural and Prescribed Fire (CRP) – Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) – Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction, an approved plan is a mandatory eligibility requirement. If you want to access prescribed fire funding, the burn plan is the foundation for your entire project.
This guide explains what an approved burn plan is, what it must include, and how to develop one that meets funding and regulatory standards.
An approved burn plan is a formal, written document that has been reviewed and authorized under provincial wildfire regulations. For the Cultural and Prescribed Fire (CRP) stream of the Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program, the plan must meet BC’s Wildfire Regulation and be approved by the right authority before funding is released.
For CRP–CRI funding, projects without an approved burn plan are ineligible, even if the rest of your application is strong.
You need an approved burn plan if your project involves:
Eligible applicants include:
Applicants who are not authorized to conduct prescribed or cultural burns are not eligible.
The required details for an approved burn plan can vary by province and burn type, but most prescribed fire funding programs look for the following:
Your plan must explain:
Objectives must support wildfire risk reduction, not land clearing or commercial activity.
This section shows that the burn follows provincial law. For CRP–CRI, that means:
If you do not have written regulatory approval, your plan will not meet funding criteria.
This is the technical part of the plan. It usually covers:
Funders want to see that the burn can be carried out safely and as planned.
Your burn plan must show how you will manage risk, including:
Careful risk planning is especially important for Crown land projects near communities or key infrastructure.
The CRP–CRI program values Indigenous-led and collaborative burning. Plans that include:
are closely aligned with program priorities.
Getting approval takes time. Plan for this in your funding strategy.
Contact regulators early
Reach out to the provincial authority responsible for prescribed fire before your planned burn window.
Work with qualified professionals
Many applicants hire registered forest professionals or experienced prescribed fire practitioners.
Submit your plan for review
Be ready for questions or requests for changes. Approval often takes several rounds.
Get written approval
Funding programs require proof of approval, not just a verbal okay.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and project type, so you know the right burn plan standards before you start.
Waiting to develop your plan until after funding approval
CRP–CRI requires your burn plan to be approved before you get funding.
Assuming an old burn plan is still valid
Approvals are often specific to a site and a time. Old plans may not meet current rules.
Underestimating how long approval takes
The review process can take months, especially during wildfire season.
Missing Indigenous engagement where expected
For CRP–CRI, not including Indigenous collaboration can weaken your application.
Q: Do I need an approved burn plan to receive CRP–CRI funding?
Yes. An approved burn plan is required under the CRP–CRI program. Projects without one are not eligible for funding.
Q: Who approves a prescribed burn plan in BC?
Approval is given by the right provincial authority under the Wildfire Regulation. The approving body depends on your location and the type of burn.
Q: Can Indigenous communities lead prescribed fire projects?
Yes. Indigenous leadership and collaboration are core priorities of CRP–CRI, especially for cultural burning.
Q: Is CRP–CRI funding repayable?
No. CRP–CRI funding is non-repayable. Standard public funding tax rules may still apply.
Q: Is CRP–CRI limited to Crown land?
Yes. The program focuses on wildfire risk reduction activities on Crown land.
If prescribed fire funding is part of your wildfire risk reduction plan, start with your burn plan. It decides if you are eligible, how long the process will take, and your chances of approval. GrantHub tracks active wildfire prevention and prescribed fire funding programs across Canada — check which ones match your land base, authority, and project goals.
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