Campfire ban expands across much of B.C.’s coast starting Thursday

Most campfires will be banned across coastal British Columbia beginning later this week as the BC Wildfire Service expands fire restrictions in response to changing weather conditions.

Effective at 12 p.m. July 16, Category 1, 2 and 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre.

The Coastal Fire Centre prohibition areas.

However, Category 1 campfires will still be allowed in the Campbell River Forest District, North Island Central Coast Forest District, Haida Gwaii Forest District and Sunshine Coast Forest District, where wildfire conditions remain less severe.

Anyone lighting a permitted campfire is reminded to do so responsibly by avoiding windy conditions, maintaining a fuel break, never leaving a fire unattended and ensuring it is completely extinguished before leaving the site.

Category 2 and Category 3 open fires have already been prohibited across the Coastal Fire Centre, and those restrictions will remain in effect. The ban also includes fireworks, binary exploding targets, burn barrels and burn cages, controlled air incinerators, air curtain burners and carbonizers.

The BC Wildfire Service says the expanded prohibition is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect public safety as fire danger increases in many coastal regions.

The restrictions apply to all areas outside municipal boundaries within the Coastal Fire Centre, as well as provincial parks, recreation sites, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas and private managed forest lands. Municipalities may have their own fire restrictions, and residents are encouraged to check with their local government before lighting any fire.

The prohibition is expected to remain in place until Oct. 31, or until it is rescinded.

Anyone who spots a wildfire, unattended campfire or illegal open burning is asked to report it by calling 1-800-663-5555, dialing *5555 on a cell phone, or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

READ MORE: Campfire bans still in effect for some Vancouver Island communities despite regional lift