Campfire ban starts July 16 in Coastal Fire Centre

Tuesday July 14, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends A campfire ban goes into effect across much of the Coastal Fire Centre region starting Thursday July 16 at 12 noon PT. The ban prohibits Category 1 campfires, as well as Category 2 and 3 open fires, fireworks, and burn [...] The post Campfire ban starts July 16 in Coastal Fire Centre appeared first on Island Social Trends .

Tuesday July 14, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends A campfire ban goes into effect across much of the Coastal Fire Centre region starting Thursday July 16 at 12 noon PT. The ban prohibits Category 1 campfires, as well as Category 2 and 3 open fires, fireworks, and burn barrels.

The region includes Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and portions of the south coast. Localized exceptions apply in the Campbell River, North Island Central Coast, Haida Gwaii, and Sunshine Coast forest districts. Local governments can impose their own prohibitions based on conditions in their jurisdictions.

A similar ban was issued briefly in May, but lifted after temperatures dropped and humidity increased. But now drought and water scarcity have increased, as discussed in a press conference by three BC cabinet ministers today (Kelly Greene, Randene Neill and Ravi Parmar). A ban that began in late May on Category 2 and 3 fires, including backyard and industrial burning, fireworks and burn barrels, will continue.

The prohibition is expected to remain in place until Oct. 31, or until it is rescinded. Fire bans are based on various indicators, including the level of wildfire activity in an area, long- and short-range weather forecasts, and types of fuel in forested areas. Water conservation is encouraged as drought continues and water scarcity is a concern.

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