Campfire ban lifted across Vancouver Island as rainy weather returns

Another sign that summer is over on Vancouver Island has arrived as the Coastal Fire Centre has officially rescinded the fire ban that has been in place since July. 

In 2026, the campfire ban for Vancouver Island was first implemented on Thursday, May 7th, but was lifted soon after as rain returned to the region. 

The ban was then re-implemented on Thursday, July 16th as dry conditions persisted on the island. Now, the Coastal Fire Centre has announced the ban will end on Thursday, September 3rd at noon. 

The campfire ban included a ban on all fires considered to be a Category 1 fire. This distinction extends to all fires that are no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, as well as those used for recreational purposes or by a First Nation for ceremonial purposes. 

Though Category 1 campfires will soon be permitted, Category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited. 

Category 2 fires include those that consist of one or two piles of material no larger than two metres high by three metres wide and burning stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.

Category 3 fires include any fire larger than two meters high by three meters wide, three or more concurrently burning piles that are up to two meters high by three meters wide or more burning rows of piled debris, also known as windrows. 

Binary exploding targets, fireworks, burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description, controlled air incinerators, air curtain burners and carbonizers are all still prohibited, as they are deemed as Category 2 and 3 activities. 

According to the Coastal Fire Centre, Haida Gwaii will have its Category 2 and 3 bans lifted at the same time as the campfire ban being rescinded for the rest of its jurisdiction. 

Though the campfire ban has been lifted for all Crown land, municipalities may have different prohibitions or restrictions based on local conditions. For example, in Saanich, campfires are banned year-round—only propane fires are permitted within the District. 

The Coastal Fire Centre urges residents to check with their local government before lighting a campfire to best avoid a fine or a potential wildfire sparking. 

“Although fire danger ratings have declined throughout much of the Coastal Fire Centre as a result of recent rainfall, along with shorter days, longer nights and cooler temperatures, the public is encouraged to continue exercising caution with the use of any open fire,” said the Coastal Fire Centre in a media release. 

“It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations.”

Those found in contravention of a fire prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150 and may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000. If convicted in court, a fine may be up to $100,000 and could come with a sentence of one year in jail. 

Furthermore, the Coastal Fire Centre warns that if the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.