Effective at noon today, most open burning activities will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with the exception of Haida Gwaii.

This prohibition will be in place until October 31, 2023, or until the order is rescinded. Campfires are still permitted but must be a half-metre high by a half-metre wide or smaller.

The prohibition applies to all public and private land, unless specified otherwise. People are asked to check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

Also prohibited - Fireworks and sky lanterns and burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description.

The Coastal Fire Centre covers all the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain Range from the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park, including Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.

Fines can range from $1,100 to a $100,000, and up to a year in jail.

For more information, visit BC Wildfire Service.