File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Campfire Ban

Campfire ban in Kamloops Fire Centre to be lifted Monday

Sep 25, 2025 | 7:41 AM

KAMLOOPS — Campfires will be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre as of noon Monday (Sept. 29).

According to the BC Wildfire Service, a campfire is defined as a fire that is no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide which is used by any person for recreational purposes or by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose.

The first campfire ban of the season for the Kamloops Fire Centre came into effect much later than usual on Aug. 28.

However, the BC Wildfire Service says Category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre until Oct. 17, 2025, unless it’s rescinded earlier.

Activities such as sky lanterns and wood-fire devices are now permitted. However, the following activities and equipment remain prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre:

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• fireworks, including firecrackers
• air curtain burners
• binary exploding targets
• burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
• carbonizers
• controlled air incinerators

The wildfire service reminds residents that the lifting of the campfire ban applies to all areas in the Kamloops Fire Centre that are outside of municipal boundaries. Campfires and cooking fires are not permitted within the City of Kamloops.

Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, and may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Anyone can report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

As of noon Wednesday (Sept. 24), the wildfire service says the fire danger rating in the Kamloops Fire Centre mostly ranks “high.”

Image credit: BC Wildfire Service