Campfire ban takes effect Thursday across B.C.'s South Coast including Metro Vancouver
The BC Wildfire Service is restricting open flames in the Lower Mainland, Sea-to-Sky corridor, Vancouver Island, the Central Coast, and Haida Gwaii to reduce human-caused fire risk.
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A campfire ban is taking effect across B.C.'s South Coast region starting Thursday, July 15 at noon, covering Metro Vancouver, the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Vancouver Island, the Central Coast, and Haida Gwaii.
The BC Wildfire Service imposed the restriction to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during a critical fire season. Some areas of the North Island and Sunshine Coast have exceptions to the ban.
The timing comes as officials warned this week of a significant wildfire threat across B.C. through the end of the week, with dry lightning and wind forecasted to move across most of the province starting Wednesday. South-central B.C. faces the highest risk, with conditions dry enough to produce "explosive fire behaviour," according to BC Wildfire Service operations director Cliff Chapman.
The facts
When does the campfire ban start?
The campfire ban takes effect on Thursday, July 15, 2026 at noon across B.C.'s South Coast.
What areas does the ban cover?
The ban covers Metro Vancouver, the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Vancouver Island, the Central Coast, and Haida Gwaii, though some areas of the North Island and Sunshine Coast have exceptions.
Why did the BC Wildfire Service impose the ban?
The BC Wildfire Service imposed the restriction to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during a critical fire season.
