PARTIAL Campfire prohibition lifted in Coastal Fire Centre



PARKSVILLE—The campfire prohibition in the Coastal Fire Centre will be lifted in the following areas starting at 12:00 (noon), Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), on Wednesday, September 17, 2025: the Campbell River Forest District, the North Island Central Coast Forest District, and the Sunshine Coast Forest District. A map of the areas is available online.

25_coastalmap_s10s12_prohibitioncolor_info_8X11l_sep_17Download

Other activities which were previously banned, but will now be permitted in the Campbell River, North Island Central Coast, and Sunshine Coast Forest Districts include:

  • The use of sky lanterns
  • The use of wood fired hot tubs, wood fired pizza ovens and other wood fired devices unless vented through a structure that has a flue and is incorporated in a building.

Campfires remain prohibited throughout the rest of the Coastal Fire Centre with the exception of the Haida Gwaii Forest District.

While campfires will be allowed in the Campbell River, North Island Central Coast and Sunshine Coast Forest Districts and Haida Gwaii, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, which includes back yard burning, industrial burning, and the use of fireworks, burn barrels and burn cages. These restrictions will remain in place until 12:00 (noon), PDT, on Friday October 31, 2025, or until the order is rescinded.

Effective at 12:00 (noon), PDT on Thursday, July 24, 2025, the Category 2 open fire prohibition was extended to the Haida Gwaii Forest District. As a result, Category 2 open fires are prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre. More information is available online: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/coastal-fire-centre-to-enact-category-2-open-fire-prohibition-in-haida-gwaii/

Effective at 12:00 (noon) PDT on Friday, May 30, 2025, Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre. More information is available online: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/coastal-fire-centre-to-enact-category-2-and-category-3-open-fire-prohibition/

Although fire danger ratings have declined in the Campbell River, North Island Central Coast, and Sunshine Coast Forest Districts due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations. Before lighting any fire, check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.

More information on the different categories of open burning is available online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/open-burning

Reminders about campfires, where allowed:

  • A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide;
  • Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material;
  • Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil;
  • Never leave a fire unattended;
  • Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible fire use where permitted.

  • To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
  • Check with your local government or other jurisdictional authorities before lighting a fire of any size since they may have their own restrictions in place.
  • Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Learn More:

People can follow the latest wildfire news:

Contact:

Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Coastal Fire Centre
250-951-4209