Campfires will be banned across much of B.C.’s Coastal region starting Thursday as wildfire risk continues to climb.
Effective at noon on July 17, a Category 1 open fire prohibition will come into force throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, banning campfires and backyard burns. The order will remain in place until Oct. 31, or until it is rescinded by officials.
The ban applies to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District’s Electoral Areas C and D, which includes Pemberton, Mount Currie and surrounding rural communities. Area A (the Upper Bridge River Valley) and B (Lillooet and surrounding areas), lie within the Kamloops Fire Centre, which remains at a Category 2 and 3 fire open burning bans
Locally, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and District of Squamish have already implemented their own fire bans under municipal bylaws. Residents and visitors are reminded to check local regulations before lighting any fire, as restrictions may vary and are subject to change.
“Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000, or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced for up to one year in jail,” the wildfire service wrote on its website.
“If your fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, you may be fined up to $1 million and/or sentenced to up to three years in jail, as well as be responsible for all firefighting and associated costs.”
For a full list of provincial fire bans and restrictions, visit gov.bc.ca/firebans.
To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, dial *5555 on a cell phone or report via the BC Wildfire Service App.
