Open fire and campfire bans take effect in B.C. as dry lightning raises wildfire risk
BC wildfire restrictions tighten as dry lightning raises fire risk across regions See which areas are affected and what campfire rules change before you head out
Several fire restrictions are being introduced across British Columbia over the next two days as officials warn that dry lightning and hot, dry weather could trigger new wildfires.
The Northwest Fire Centre will begin a Category 2 ban at noon Wednesday across its region, allowing only very small campfires. On Thursday, the Coastal Fire Centre will move to a stricter Category 1 ban that will prohibit even small campfires in areas including B.C.’s south and central coast, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii.
The new measures come as the province already has active fire restrictions in some areas, including the Kamloops Fire Centre. The BC Wildfire Service says conditions are expected to keep warming and drying this week, with storms likely to bring lightning and wind but little rain, increasing the chance of new ignitions and adding pressure on firefighting crews.