Campfires Permitted As Of May 15th At 12pm, But Use Caution

Although Category 1 campfires will once again be permitted beginning Friday, May 15 at noon, residents are strongly encouraged to use caution when having a campfire. Fires should only be lit in a properly contained fire pit and must be completely extinguished when no longer in use — dead out and cold to the touch.

Effective Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon), the BC Wildfire Service will rescind the Category 1 campfire prohibition across the Coastal Fire Centre. However, Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions will remain in effect.

The initial campfire ban was introduced due to several elevated wildfire risk factors, including prolonged hot and dry weather, increasing fire danger ratings, a rise in human-caused wildfires, and early season operational pressures.

Recent weather changes have improved conditions across the region, with cooler temperatures, higher humidity levels, and reduced wildfire danger allowing Category 1 campfires to resume.

Anyone choosing to light a campfire must follow all safety requirements under Section 20 of the Wildfire Regulation, including:

  • Avoid burning during windy conditions

  • Maintain a fuel break around the fire

  • Never leave a fire unattended

  • Fully extinguish the fire before leaving

  • Immediately control or report any fire that spreads beyond the fire break

Despite the easing of campfire restrictions, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, along with:

  • Fireworks

  • Binary exploding targets

  • Burn barrels and burn cages

  • Controlled air incinerators

  • Air curtain burners

  • Carbonizers

The prohibition applies to all areas outside municipal boundaries, as well as certain lands within municipalities including parks, recreation sites, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas, and private managed forest lands.

Municipalities may impose additional local restrictions, so residents are advised to check with their local government before burning.

For more information on current fire prohibitions and restrictions, visit:
BC Wildfire Service – Safer Burning Information

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or illegal open burning, call:

  • 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free)

  • *5555 from a cell phone

  • or report through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

Campfire Ban Takes Effect May 7 Across B.C.’s Coast Including Sayward

A campfire ban is set to take effect across British Columbia’s Coastal region starting at noon on May 7, 2026, as officials move to reduce wildfire risk during increasingly dry conditions.

According to the BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre, the prohibition will apply to all campfires, along with Category 2 and Category 3 open fires. Fireworks and similar high-risk activities are also included in the restrictions.

This early-season ban reflects growing concerns about wildfire hazards and the need for residents and visitors to take extra precautions outdoors.

What’s Prohibited

  • Campfires and smokehouses
  • Category 2 open fires (including fireworks)
  • Category 3 open fires

Fire Safety Starts With You

Even small actions can prevent devastating wildfires. Improperly discarded cigarette butts remain a common cause of human-started fires. Officials are reminding everyone to:

  • Never use planters, decks, gardens, or trash cans as ashtrays
  • Always fully extinguish cigarette butts and matches in water before disposal

Burn Ban Safety Tips

Reducing fire risk around your home is just as important:

  • Trim tree branches up to six feet from the ground
  • Mow grass short (about two inches)
  • Water lawns, shrubs, and surrounding areas regularly
  • Clear away dead leaves and plants
  • Store fuel and flammable materials safely
  • Keep ladders and trellises away from rooftops

With wildfire seasons becoming longer and more severe, cooperation from the public is critical. Respecting fire bans and practicing safe habits can make a real difference in protecting homes, forests, and communities.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on current fire restrictions and report any signs of wildfire immediately.