A campfire ban will take effect across several northeastern BC fire zones this week as wildfire risks continue to rise heading into summer.
The BC Wildfire Service says Category 1 fires — which include campfires — will be prohibited starting at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, across the Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, and Fort Nelson fire zones. The restriction will remain in place until noon on Oct. 15 or until it is rescinded.
The prohibition, which as of Wednesday, June 4 does not apply to Prince George, covers all public and private land unless otherwise stated in local bylaws or legislation. In addition to open fires, the ban includes the use of:
- Fireworks and firecrackers
- Sky lanterns
- Burn barrels and cages
- Binary exploding targets
- Air curtain burners
- Chimineas
- Tiki torches
- Outdoor stoves or campfire devices not bearing a CSA or ULC rating
CSA- or ULC-rated outdoor stoves that burn charcoal, liquid or gaseous fuel with a flame height under 15 centimetres are still permitted.
Violating the prohibition can lead to fines of $1,150 or administrative penalties up to $10,000. If convicted in court, offenders could face fines as high as $100,000 and up to one year in jail. Anyone whose actions contribute to a wildfire may also be held liable for firefighting costs.
Officials say multiple factors go into the decision to implement a campfire ban, including current and forecasted weather, firefighting resource availability, and the region’s Buildup Index — a measure of how much fuel is available to burn, based on moisture levels.
The BC Wildfire Service urges the public to do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires, which are entirely avoidable and place additional strain on firefighting resources.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check for the latest wildfire restrictions and updates at BCWildfire.ca.
Wildfires, smoke or unattended campfires can be reported by calling 1-800-663-5555, *5555 on a cell phone, or via the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
