Campfires Are Now Banned Across B.C.'s Southern Coast

It’s only May of 2026, but thanks to a warm winter, a campfire ban has already gone into effect.

Effective at 12:00 p.m. PDT on Thursday, May 7, 2026, most open burning activities will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with exceptions for Haida Gwaii. This prohibition is being enacted to help reduce human-caused wildfires and for public safety.

Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with the exception that only Category 2 and Category 3 fires will be prohibited in the Haida Gwaii Forest District (Category 1 campfires will be permitted).

This prohibition does not include the use of outdoor stoves and will be in place until October 31, 2026, or until the order is rescinded.