Bonfires - Public Lands Commission
Bonfires in the Cayman Islands – What You Need to Know
The following are frequently asked questions and answers to help guide prospective campers to adhere to the provisions of the Public Lands Act (2024 Revision) and Public Lands Regulations, 2021. Prospective campers in the Cayman Islands must adhere to the guidelines, rules and regulations set by the Public Lands Commission and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Cayman Islands Fire Service and Department of Environment.
Bonfires are a popular tradition in the Cayman Islands, especially during camping seasons, but they are regulated to ensure public safety and environmental protection—particularly around turtle nesting areas.
Do I Need a Permit?
Yes. - Under the Public Lands Act and Public Lands Regulations, all bonfires or open fires on public land (including beaches) require a permit from the Public Lands Commission (PLC). Applications should be submitted in advance, and fees may apply.
Key Laws & Regulations
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Public Lands Act & Regulations – Requires permits for bonfires on public beaches or public land.
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Penal Code – Lighting an open fire in a public place without lawful excuse may result in fines.
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Public Health Law – Smoke or fumes that affect others may be considered a nuisance and subject to enforcement.
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Environmental Protection – The Department of Environment (DoE) may restrict fires near turtle nests to prevent environmental harm.
Environmental Considerations
Bonfires must not be placed near sea turtle nests, as heat and light can disorient or kill hatchlings. The DoE often reviews locations before permits are approved.
Safety Guidelines
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Keep water or an extinguisher nearby.
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Never leave a fire unattended.
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Fully extinguish fires by soaking and stirring ashes.
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Avoid placing fires near vegetation or structures.
Enforcement
Failure to obtain a permit or comply with regulations may result in fines, penalties, or removal of the fire by authorities.
Apply for a PLC Permit
To apply for a PLC permit for bonfires or camping for non-residents:
- Download the PLC Permit Application Form.
- Complete the ‘Non-Vendor’ section on the PLC Permit Application Form
- Submit the form to plc@gov.ky
FAQs
Public land, also referred to as Crown land, is any land parcel held and operated by the Cayman Islands Government and owned by The Crown.
The Public Lands Commission (PLC) is legally mandated to protect the right of access and regulate the use of public land. Public lands also include public beaches and parks.
The following activities on public land require a PLC permit:
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Bonfires
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Camping
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Docking a boat or vessel overnight
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Driving a vehicle off-road
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Erecting of temporary structures
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Events (for commercial purposes, for more than 25 persons)
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Horse riding
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Vending
Campfires - Bonfires/ Open Fires/ Barbequing
Yes.
No.
Yes. The non-refundable application fee is $50.
The application fee can be paid in cash, draft, cheque or electronic funds transfer to the Secretary for the PLC located at the Crown Square or at any Post Office in the Cayman Islands.
1. Download the PLC Permit Application Form.
2. Complete the ‘Non-Vendor’ section on the PLC Permit Application Form
3. Submit the form to plc@gov.ky
The person who starts or builds a bonfire or open fire on public land without a permit has committed an offense and is liable to be fined up to $1,000.
Yes. Barbequing on public land is allowed during the Easter camping period.
No. A PLC permit is not required to barbeque.
Barbequing on public land is allowed on a public barbeque facility, a personal portable barbeque or fire pit or a personal portable stove.
Campfires must always be supervised and attended to. Never leave campfires, bonfires or barbeque fires unattended.
To extinguish a campfire, the fire ashes should be soaked with water, stirred with dirt and soaked again with water so that the ashes are cooled to physically touch.
Camping
The PLC considers camping as the following:
1. to erect a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material;
2. to prepare a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use;
3. to park a motor vehicle, motor home or trailer; or
4. to moor a vessel for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.
Yes, camping on public land is permitted for both legal residents and non-residents.
No. Persons interested on camping on privately owned land must contact and receive permission from the property owners of private or leased land prior to travelling to the said property to set up camping.
Individuals that camp on privately owned land without the owner’s consent are trespassing. This is a criminal offense and offenders can be prosecuted.
No. Campers are not permitted to use cabanas at public parks and public beaches for the purpose of camping during Easter.
Yes. Pets are allowed and it is the pet owner’s responsibility to keep pets under control, and to not allow pets to chase or endanger other wildlife or other people.
Campers are advised to observe wildlife from a distance. Never approach, chase or endanger wildlife or feed chickens.
No. Camp areas or sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campers are responsible for keeping their camp sites site tidy and free from litter and garbage during and after camping.
Legal Residents
Yes. Only legal residents of the Cayman Islands are permitted to camp on public land without a permit 2 weeks before Easter, during Easter, and 2 weeks after Easter
It should not exceed five consecutive days.
Yes. Legal residents of the Cayman Islands are permitted to camp on public land without a permit on Public Holidays.
Yes. Legal residents require a permit if camping outside the permitted periods. (See Question 1 under "Camping")
Non-residents
A non-resident is any person who is not legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands.
No.
Yes. Non-residents require a permit to camp at all times.
The non-refundable application fee is $50. The permit fee is $200 per tent once granted.
1. Download the PLC Permit Application Form.
2. Complete the ‘Non-Vendor’ section on the PLC Permit Application Form
3. Submit the form to plc@gov.ky
