B.C- With a period of dry and hot weather approaching, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) has reinstated a campfire ban across most of the Coastal Fire Centre region. Effective at 12 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 16, all Category 1 fires are prohibited throughout the region, with exceptions granted only to certain parts of the North Island and Sunshine Coast fire zones. The restrictions apply to all areas located outside municipal boundaries, including most provincial parks, campgrounds, recreation sites, and Crown land.
This marks the second time this season that such measures have been introduced; campfires and other Category 1 fires were initially banned at the beginning of May—the earliest such prohibition since tracking began in 2003—before the ban was rescinded just ahead of the May long weekend. Emily Fardad, a Parksville-based fire information officer with the BCWS, emphasized that these decisions are not taken lightly. She noted that because the weather is highly dynamic, officials reevaluate the data and prohibitions every single day. Due to a wet June in the North Island Mid Coast Fire Zone, that specific area remains clear for now, allowing campers there, as well as in the Sunshine Coast fire zone, to continue having campfires.
The Coastal Fire Centre now joins the Kamloops Fire Centre as the only two areas in the province currently facing campfire restrictions. In the mid-Island area, memories of last year’s severe wildfires have left many residents on edge, leading to unprecedented compliance. Steve Ternes, fire chief with the Errington Fire Department, remarked that he has never seen such strong community buy-in for a fire ban, noting that previous bans often faced pushback. Ternes stated that seeing smoke in the air last year made local residents realize that large wildfires are no longer confined to the mainland, significantly increasing public awareness.
For those visiting areas where campfires are still permitted, the BCWS urges extreme caution. Campers are advised to always keep at least eight litres of water on hand, never leave a fire unattended, and ensure the ashes are completely cool to the touch before walking away.
