Bad news, campers. On Friday, July 12, B.C. enacted a campfire ban that will impact most of the province until further notice.
The B.C. Wildfire Service put the restriction into effect following a stretch of high temperatures and several heat warnings. This ban is in addition to current province-wide open fire bans. Currently, only prescribed burns are permitted.
Campfires are still permitted in Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off B.C.’s west coast.
As of last week, more than 140 wildfires were burning across B.C., with more expected to hit the province. The ban was enacted to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety, according to a news release.
In spite of the ban, some people are still lighting campfires. Just days after the restriction was put in place, the Chilliwack River Valley Fire Department extinguished multiple illegal campfires and issued several fines.
“Despite all the radio, TV, social media posts, and the signage, people are still not getting the message,” the fire department said in a post to social media.
Violating the ban could result in a $1,150 ticket, an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or if convicted, a fine of up to $100,000 and/or one year in jail. If the fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible could be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
To stay up to date on local fire bans in B.C., check out the province’s interactive map.
Related Story Cottage country municipalities roll out new open-air burning rules
Related Story Gravenhurst introduces new program to help firefighters be better prepared for emergencies at rural properties
Related Story Why you need a grab-and-go emergency kit this wildfire season