All open burning, including campfires and fireworks, is now prohibited throughout the majority of B.C.
This extraordinary step is being taken to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. Unseasonably hot and dry weather is being experienced around the province. The B.C. Wildfire Service is responding to over 150 active fires in the province.
“We’re committed to safeguarding B.C.’s families, natural resources and infrastructure from wildfires,” said Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson. “Given the hot and dry conditions in most of the province, we are implementing this provincewide campfire ban to help protect our communities.”
This prohibition covers all B.C. Parks, Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with civic authorities for any restrictions before lighting a fire.
Campfires will still be allowed in the area known as the “Fog Zone” along the western coast of Vancouver Island. The “Fog Zone” is a two-kilometre-wide strip along the outer coast of Vancouver Island, stretching from Owen Point (near Port Renfrew) north to the tip of Vancouver Island and around to the boundary of the District of Port Hardy.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, 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.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca.
