Thursday July 17, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
A campfire ban on Vancouver Island went into effect today Thursday July 17 at noon.
This comes as the fire danger rating escalates as hot and dry drought conditions continue, says the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Vancouver Island is part of the Coastal Fire Centre, which also includes Haida Gwaii,Sea to Sky, the Lower Mainland and the central coast. The ban is for Category 1 fires, which include campfires and all fires smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
Anyone found illegally starting a campfire can face fines of up to $1,150 and an administrative penalty of $10,000. If convicted in court, people could face a fine of up to $100,000 and/or be sentenced to up to one year in jail.
The ban continues into October unless rescinded sooner.
Find your fire zone:
Fire prohibitions and restrictions may vary based on location.
BC Wildfire Services has a page where you can find your find zone:
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