Campfire Ban Lifted Across Vancouver Island, But Some Local Restrictions Remain

by | Sep 3, 2026 19:24 | Local

VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C. — Campfires are once again permitted across the Coastal Fire Centre as wildfire conditions improve, but residents and visitors are being reminded that the lifting of the provincial ban does not necessarily mean every community has reopened outdoor burning.

The BC Wildfire Service lifted its Category 1 campfire prohibition at noon on Thursday, September 3, covering the entire Coastal Fire Centre, including Vancouver Island. The decision follows recent rainfall and cooler fall conditions that have reduced wildfire danger across much of the region.

The change will come as welcome news to campers and residents hoping to enjoy a late-season fire.

Campfires are allowed — but bigger fires aren’t

While Category 1 campfires are now permitted under the Coastal Fire Centre’s rules, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the region, with the exception of the Haida Gwaii Forest District.

Other prohibited activities and equipment include:

  • Fireworks

  • Binary exploding targets

  • Burn barrels and burn cages

  • Controlled-air incinerators

  • Air curtain burners

  • Carbonizers

The restrictions are intended to limit the potential for human-caused wildfires as B.C. moves into the fall season.

Local fire bans can still apply

The provincial announcement does not override restrictions imposed by individual municipalities, parks or other authorities.

That distinction is particularly important on Vancouver Island, where fire conditions can vary considerably from one community to another.

For example, Sooke’s campfire prohibition remains in effect despite the Coastal Fire Centre lifting its Category 1 restriction. The District says local fire danger remains high to extreme and that recent rainfall was not sufficient to reduce the risk enough to lift its municipal prohibition.

Metchosin has also kept its local campfire prohibition in place because of continued high to extreme fire danger.

Residents should therefore check their local fire department or municipal website before starting a fire.

What about Campbell River and North Island communities?

In Campbell River, recreational fires are permitted subject to the city’s local regulations.

The city’s rules allow recreational fires for cooking or providing heat when they are contained in an approved permanent outdoor fireplace, barbecue or fire pit no larger than 60 centimetres (24 inches) in diameter, or in a fully enclosed burner or similar device. A fire must be supervised and appropriate extinguishing equipment must be readily available.

Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited.

The same principle applies throughout the North Island: provincial restrictions are only part of the picture. Local governments can impose additional restrictions when conditions in their communities warrant them.

Fire safety remains important

The end of the campfire prohibition does not mean wildfire season is necessarily over.

BC Wildfire Service says the decline in fire danger is the result of a combination of recent rainfall, shorter days, longer nights and cooler temperatures. However, officials continue to encourage caution whenever people use an outdoor fire.

Anyone having a campfire should:

  • Never leave it unattended

  • Avoid having a fire during windy conditions

  • Keep water and firefighting tools nearby

  • Keep the fire contained

  • Completely extinguish it before leaving

  • Check for any local restrictions before lighting it

A fire should be completely out and cool to the touch before it is left unattended.

Significant penalties remain for prohibited fires

The consequences for violating an active fire prohibition can be substantial.

A person found contravening an open-burning prohibition can receive a $1,150 violation ticket and may face an administrative penalty of up to $10,000.

If the matter goes to court, a conviction can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail. Anyone whose prohibited fire causes or contributes to a wildfire may also be ordered to pay firefighting and associated costs.

Check before you light

For people across Vancouver Island, the return of campfires is a welcome sign that conditions are beginning to shift toward fall.

But the rules can differ between communities, and conditions can change quickly.

Before lighting a fire, residents should check the latest BC Wildfire Service restrictions as well as local municipal or fire-department rules for their specific location.

Wildfires, unattended campfires and open-burning violations can be reported to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone.

Endangered Vancouver Island Marmots Emerge From Hibernation as Recovery Efforts Continue

by | May 30, 2026 02:11 | Local

Conservationists are celebrating an encouraging sign of spring after the first wild Vancouver Island marmots of 2026 were spotted emerging from hibernation in alpine regions of Vancouver Island.

The sightings mark the beginning of the species’ active season after spending roughly seven months underground in hibernation. Wildlife officials say the annual emergence is an important milestone for one of Canada’s most endangered mammals and provides an early indication of how wild populations have survived the winter months.

According to the Marmot Recovery Foundation, approximately 427 Vancouver Island marmots are now living across 35 wild colonies on the Island, representing a remarkable conservation success story for a species that once teetered on the brink of extinction. By 2003, fewer than 30 wild marmots remained, prompting an intensive captive breeding and reintroduction program involving conservation organizations, zoos, governments, and private landowners.

Found nowhere else in the world, the Vancouver Island marmot is endemic to the Island’s mountainous alpine and subalpine regions. The chocolate-brown rodents spend much of their lives in meadows and avalanche chutes at higher elevations, where they rely on open terrain to spot predators such as wolves, cougars, and golden eagles.

The spring emergence is a particularly vulnerable time for marmots. After months without eating, the animals must rely on stored fat reserves while their digestive systems gradually return to normal. Wildlife experts note that survival during the first weeks after hibernation can be critical, especially following harsh winters or years with limited food availability.

Researchers will now monitor colonies throughout the summer breeding season. Vancouver Island marmots typically mate shortly after emerging from hibernation, with pups born about a month later and making their first appearances above ground in early summer.

While the species remains endangered, conservationists say the continued growth of wild populations demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term recovery efforts. New colonies have been established across parts of Vancouver Island, and wildlife managers remain optimistic that ongoing breeding, monitoring, and habitat protection programs will help secure the future of this uniquely Vancouver Island species.

Life On The Edge Of Wilderness – A Pioneer’s First Year At Salmon River In The 1920s

by | Apr 20, 2026 01:56 | History

Life On The Edge Of Wilderness – A Pioneer’s First Year At Salmon River In The 1920s
Life On The Edge Of Wilderness – A Pioneer’s First Year At Salmon River In The 1920s
Life On The Edge Of Wilderness – A Pioneer’s First Year At Salmon River In The 1920s
Life On The Edge Of Wilderness – A Pioneer’s First Year At Salmon River In The 1920s

In the early 1920s, the remote banks of the Salmon River near present-day Sayward were not yet the quiet, scenic destination many recognize today. Instead, they were the frontier—rugged, isolated, and filled with both promise and hardship for the first wave of settlers trying to carve out a life in the dense forests of northern Vancouver Island.

A newspaper account by Rene Harding, preserved by the Sayward Historical Society, offers a vivid glimpse into what that first year of settlement was really like.

A Land of Opportunity—and Challenge

The Salmon River Valley drew settlers with its fertile flats and towering timber. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the region had already begun transitioning from a trading stop and Indigenous village site into a budding resource community fueled largely by logging and natural resource extraction.

But arriving in the 1920s meant stepping into a place where infrastructure was nearly nonexistent. Early pioneers had to build everything from scratch—homes, trails, and access routes—often using only hand tools and raw determination.

The Harding account describes a year defined by constant labour. Clearing land for farming was grueling work, with dense forest and heavy undergrowth slowing progress at every turn. Each acre gained was hard-won, and every structure built represented weeks of effort.

Isolation and Ingenuity

Life at Salmon River was marked by isolation. Transportation was limited, and connections to the outside world were infrequent. Supplies had to be carefully managed, and settlers relied heavily on one another for support.

Improvisation became a daily necessity. Families learned to adapt quickly—constructing shelters, sourcing food locally, and making do with what little they had. Hunting, fishing, and foraging were not hobbies, but essential survival skills.

Despite these hardships, there was a sense of optimism. The settlers believed in the long-term potential of the land, even when early conditions were harsh.

Weather, Work, and Resilience

The first year tested settlers in every season. Wet coastal weather, dense bush, and physical exhaustion created constant challenges. Yet the Harding account highlights a recurring theme: resilience.

Progress may have been slow, but it was steady. Gardens began to take shape, homes became more secure, and the beginnings of a community started to emerge.

This perseverance reflects a broader pattern seen across early Vancouver Island settlements—small, determined groups of people laying the groundwork for future generations.

Foundations of a Community

What makes this account especially compelling is how it captures a moment before Sayward became a structured community. At the time, the area was still evolving from its early identity as Port Kusam, a small settlement tied to trade, forestry, and river access.

The experiences described in that first year would ultimately contribute to the development of the Salmon River Valley and surrounding communities, helping shape the region’s identity as a forestry-driven hub in the decades that followed.

Remembering the Pioneers

Today, it’s easy to overlook the sheer effort required to establish communities in remote areas like Salmon River. Roads, services, and modern conveniences now connect the region—but they are built on the foundations laid by those early settlers.

Accounts like Rene Harding’s serve as a reminder of that legacy. They preserve not just the facts of history, but the lived experiences—the struggles, hopes, and determination—that defined life in the Sayward Valley a century ago.

Their story is one of endurance, adaptability, and belief in the land—qualities that continue to shape the community to this day.

B&S&W Logging In The 1950s And The Early Days of Larry McKinlay

by | Apr 11, 2026 06:12 | History

In the rugged coastal forests of northern Vancouver Island, the 1950s marked a defining era for industrial logging—and few names were as central to that story as Bloedel, Stewart and Welch. Operating extensively in and around the Sayward region, B&S&W helped transform a remote landscape into a hub of resource extraction, innovation, and tight-knit community life.

Amid the roar of chainsaws and the thunder of falling timber, a generation of young men came of age in the bush. Among them was a young Larry McKinlay—one of many who would be shaped by the grit, danger, and camaraderie of coastal logging camps.

The Rise of Industrial Logging in Sayward

By the early 1950s, Bloedel, Stewart and Welch had established itself as a dominant force in British Columbia’s forestry sector. With vast timber licenses and access to old-growth forests, the company set up operations throughout the Sayward Valley and surrounding inlets.

Logging in this era was not for the faint of heart. Crews worked in steep, rain-soaked terrain, felling massive Douglas fir and cedar trees that had stood for centuries. Equipment was evolving—steam donkeys were giving way to diesel-powered yarders—but the work remained intensely physical and often dangerous.

Logs were hauled to booming grounds in coastal inlets like Kelsey Bay, then sorted and transported to mills. The scale of operations was immense, and B&S&W played a key role in feeding both domestic and international demand for lumber during the postwar boom.

Life in the Camps

For workers, logging camps were more than just job sites—they were entire communities. Isolated from towns, these camps provided bunkhouses, cookhouses, and a structured daily rhythm built around long shifts and hard labor.

Meals were hearty, the coffee was strong, and the bonds between workers ran deep. In an environment where every man relied on the others for safety, trust was everything.

It was into this world that young Larry McKinlay stepped.

A Young Logger’s Beginning

Like many local boys, Larry McKinlay was drawn into the logging industry at a young age. Opportunities in Sayward during the 1950s were closely tied to the forest, and logging offered both a livelihood and a rite of passage.

Starting out in entry-level roles—perhaps as a chokerman or swamper—Larry would have quickly learned the realities of bush work: the unpredictability of falling timber, the precision required to rig cables, and the constant awareness needed to stay alive.

But beyond the danger, there was also pride. Logging wasn’t just a job; it was a craft. Young workers like Larry were mentored by seasoned hands, absorbing knowledge that couldn’t be taught in classrooms.

Innovation Meets Tradition

The 1950s were also a time of transition in the logging industry. Companies like B&S&W were beginning to adopt new technologies that would eventually reshape forestry work—chainsaws replacing crosscut saws, improved transportation networks, and early mechanization.

Yet much of the work still relied on human strength and skill. This blend of old and new defined the era, and those who worked through it—like Larry McKinlay—experienced firsthand the shift from traditional to modern logging practices.

A Lasting Legacy

The impact of Bloedel, Stewart and Welch on Sayward cannot be overstated. The company’s operations brought jobs, infrastructure, and a sense of purpose to the region. Roads carved through dense forest would later open access for residents and tourists alike.

For individuals like Larry McKinlay, the experience of working in the bush during this formative period likely left a lasting imprint—one of resilience, resourcefulness, and connection to the land.

Remembering the Era

Today, it’s easy to forget just how demanding and foundational this work was. The forests around Sayward still stand as a testament to both nature’s scale and the human effort required to harvest it.

Looking back at the 1950s, we see more than just an industry—we see a way of life. One where companies like B&S&W drove economic growth, and where young men like Larry McKinlay found their footing in a world defined by towering trees and the relentless rhythm of the saw.

It’s a story of hard work, community, and the enduring legacy of logging on Vancouver Island.

The K’ómoks Peoples and the Salmon River Region: A History of Shared Relationships and Continuity

by | Apr 11, 2026 05:53 | History

The Salmon River, known to many Indigenous peoples as X̱wa̱sam (H’kusam), lies within a landscape that has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous occupation, travel, kinship, and cultural exchange. Today, the area near present-day Sayward is understood not as the historical territory of a single community alone, but as part of a broader network of interconnected Indigenous peoples whose relationships evolved over generations.

Among those with longstanding historical connections to the region are the ancestors of today’s K’ómoks First Nation, alongside other related communities, including the Sathloot (Łałutł) and Säsitla peoples. Indigenous oral histories, historical records, and ethnographic research all contribute to our understanding of this history, although each source offers a different perspective. Together, they describe a dynamic coastal landscape where neighbouring Nations maintained overlapping patterns of land use, family ties, trade, and governance rather than fixed territorial boundaries.

A Region of Shared Occupation

The northeast coast of Vancouver Island has long been characterized by movement and connection. Rivers, inlets, and sheltered coastal waters served as important travel corridors linking communities for fishing, harvesting, trade, marriage, ceremony, and diplomacy.

Historical accounts indicate that the Salmon River area was one of several places occupied and visited by related Indigenous groups over many generations. Rather than representing an isolated settlement belonging exclusively to one Nation, the region formed part of a larger network of communities whose relationships were shaped through kinship, shared language, and longstanding alliances.

Contemporary Indigenous perspectives emphasize that this history is best understood as one of overlapping occupation and continuing relationships among multiple related Nations.

Change During the Nineteenth Century

The early and mid-1800s brought profound change to Indigenous communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Epidemics introduced by Europeans, environmental events, changing economic conditions, and periods of conflict all affected population patterns across the coast.

Historical sources describe shifts in where some families and communities lived during this period, including movement between settlements on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island and farther south into the Comox Valley. These changes did not occur as a single event, nor did they represent the disappearance of Indigenous peoples from the Salmon River region. Instead, they reflect changing patterns of occupation within a network of continuing Indigenous presence and interrelated communities.

While settlement locations evolved over time, kinship ties, governance relationships, and cultural connections continued across the region.

The Growth of the Modern K’ómoks First Nation

As communities adapted to changing circumstances, families from several related Indigenous groups continued to build relationships through intermarriage, shared governance, and cultural continuity.

Historical and Indigenous community accounts describe the present-day K’ómoks First Nation as reflecting the convergence and continuation of multiple ancestral communities, including K’ómoks-speaking groups, Säsitla, Walatsa’ma lineages, and other related peoples. These relationships developed over generations and remain an important part of the Nation’s history and identity.

Rather than representing the beginning of a new people, the modern K’ómoks First Nation reflects the continuation of longstanding Indigenous communities adapting while maintaining their cultural identity, governance, and family connections.

Understanding a Complex Historical Landscape

The history of the Salmon River region cannot be understood through a single source alone. Our knowledge comes from several complementary forms of evidence, including:

  • Indigenous oral histories and community knowledge;
  • historical narratives shared by Indigenous authors and Elders;
  • ethnographic research recorded during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries;
  • colonial-era documents; and
  • modern historical scholarship.

These sources sometimes emphasize different aspects of the past. While dates, locations, and interpretations may vary, they collectively illustrate that the northeast coast of Vancouver Island has always been a place of movement, interaction, and enduring relationships among neighbouring Indigenous communities.

An Enduring Indigenous Presence

Today, the Salmon River region remains part of a living Indigenous landscape. The area’s history is not one of disappearance or replacement but of continuity, adaptation, and interconnected relationships that extend across communities and generations.

Recognizing this complexity helps provide a more complete understanding of the region’s past. Rather than viewing the Salmon River as the territory of a single people with a linear historical trajectory, it is more accurately understood as part of a historically shared landscape shaped by overlapping occupation, intermarriage, alliances, and enduring cultural connections.

The K’ómoks First Nation continues to maintain deep cultural and historical ties to this broader landscape, alongside the continuing histories and relationships of neighbouring Indigenous Nations whose connections to the region remain equally significant.