Most open burning other than campfires will be banned as of noon Friday in the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
The fire bans, which include backyard burning and fireworks, will remain until the end of the wildfire season on Oct. 31 or until they’re rescinded.
Campfires are unaffected by the current announcement. Last year, a campfire ban was imposed on June 8, while a similar ban came into effect on Aug. 4 in 2022.
The 2023 wildfire season was the most damaging in B.C. history, burning about 2.84 million hectares, and communities around the province have been preparing for similarly tough conditions this year.
The Coastal Fire Centre said campfires should be no more than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide.
Cooking stoves fuelled by gas, propane or briquettes are acceptable, the centre said in a statement.
Anyone lighting a campfire must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable debris from the campfire area, and have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water nearby to extinguish the fire, the centre said.
Coastal Fire Centre information officer Sam Bellion said with the first long weekend of the wildfire season coming up in a few days, people need to be careful when enjoying the outdoors.
“Even when campfires are permitted, we just really remind folks that they have to use fire responsibly,” Bellion said.
“Don’t start a campfire when it’s windy out and use common sense.”
Contravention of an open-fire ban can result in a violation ticket for $1,150 or a fine of $100,000 and a year in jail for an offence that leads to a court proceeding.
Violations of the ban can be reported toll-free at 1-800-663-5555 or at *5555 on a cellphone.
The wildfire season on the Island has been relatively quiet since it began April 1, with six fires to date.
There are currently two small fires burning — both under control.
One is near Port Renfrew and the other is just south of Campbell River.
The latest details on wildfire activity, burning controls and air-quality issues are available at bcwildfire.ca
