Following a stretch of high temperatures and several heat warnings throughout the province, and with potentially challenging wildfire weather forecast, the BC Wildfire Service is implementing a campfire ban in all parts of B.C., except Haida Gwaii.

The ban will take effect at noon today and will remain until further notice.

The category 1 campfires ban is in addition to current provincewide bans for category 2 and 3 fires. This means open fires of any size, except those licensed for prescribed burns, will be prohibited.

The Province says much of B.C. has seen very hot, and sometimes record-breaking, temperatures over the past week, prompting Environment Canada to issue heat warnings for many regions.

While heat warnings have been lifted in some areas, including east Vancouver Island, the hot weather is predicted to continue for parts of the province, combined with the risk of high winds and lightning.

Currently, approximately 140 wildfires are burning in B.C. As of yesterday, there were two evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts in B.C.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.