SMITHERS – Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Category 2 open fire will once again be permitted throughout the Northwest Fire Centre.

A Category 2 open fire, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation, refers to any fire that burns:

• One pile of material not exceeding 2 metres high and 3 metres wide
• Two piles of material, each not exceeding 2 metres high and 3 metres wide
• Stubble or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares (2,000 square metres)

Category 3 open fire remains prohibited throughout the Northwest Fire Centre.

Please view a map of the affected areas below:

Tips for Safer Category 2 Open Fires

Before you burn:

• Check with your local authorities for any bylaw restrictions before lighting a fire of any size
• Check the current and forecast weather conditions. If it’s windy or wind is in the forecast, don’t burn

During your burn:

• Ensure a firefighting hand tool is available (shovel, axe, Pulaski, backpack pump or fire extinguisher).
• Have a fire suppression system adequate for fire control available near the burn area. A fire suppression system means a system for suppressing fire by delivering water, a suppressant, a surfactant, or any combination of these substances
• Never leave the fire unattended for any amount of time

Extinguishing your burn:

• When you are ready to put your fire out, pour lots of water on it, stir the ashes, then pour more water on it. Continue doing so until the ashes are cool to the touch
• Ensure your fire is fully extinguished before you leave the area

Learn more about regulations that apply to Category 2 open fires, visit https://tinyurl.com/4rfydx63 or view our poster.

All open burning must comply with the Wildfire Act, Environmental Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Anyone conducting an open burn must check local venting conditions prior to lighting a fire, understand what smoke sensitivity zone the burn site is in, and meet all other obligations associated with these regulations.

Venting index and smoke sensitivity zone information is available by calling 1 888 281-2992 or visiting: the text ventilation index or the venting index interactive map.

In addition to Category 2 open fire, the following equipment and activities will once again be permitted: Fireworks (as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC), binary exploding targets, burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description, controlled air incinerators, air curtain burners and carbonizers.

Check with your local government or other jurisdictional authorities before lighting a fire of any size and abide by any bylaws or restrictions that are in place in your area.

Contact:
BC Wildfire Service
Information Officer
Northwest Fire Centre
BCWS.NWFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
250-876-6844