Campfire ban lifted in Southeast Fire Centre

Visitors and residents can enjoy a small campfire once again as the ban has been lifted across the Southeast Fire Centre.

The ban was lifted at noon Pacific Time (1 p.m. Mountain Time) as recent weather has reduced the overall wildfire risk.

“The combination of current and future forecasts, recent precipitation, and improved overnight recoveries has reduced the need to prohibit campfires in the Southeast,” said the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

While you may be able to enjoy campfires again, any kind of fire larger than half a metre is still prohibited.

Sky lanterns, fireworks, air curtain burners, burn barrels and cages, and binary exploding targets also fall under the ongoing ban.

BCWS officials remind you to be safe when you light a campfire.

“Anyone lighting a campfire in an area where campfires are allowed must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable debris from around the campfire area, attend the fire at all times, and must have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available nearby to properly extinguish the campfire,” said the BCWS.

The Southeast Fire Centre runs from the U.S. border in the south to Mica Dam in the north, and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west, to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east.

You can report abandoned campfires or illegal open burning by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.