Williams Lake to implement campfire ban within city limits

Apr 23, 2026 | 4:50 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The City of Williams Lake will implement a campfire ban within city limits as of noon on Friday (April 24).

This follows a ban on Category 2 and 3 burns in the Cariboo Fire Centre introduced on Thursday.

The Williams Lake campfire ban will remain in place until October 31, or it could be rescinded earlier if conditions improve.

Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services Evan Dean said the decision comes after a pair of human-caused fires on Thursday, in addition to the increasingly dry, windy weather developing earlier than usual.

“The fires we responded to were not abandoned but were, unfortunately, not tended to safely,” said Dean.

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“People underestimate how quickly fire can escape in these dry, windy conditions. This temporary ban is a necessary step to reduce preventable ignitions and protect our community.”

The ban includes all wood-burning campfires, backyard fire pits and burning of yard waste, grass or debris.

Propane fire pits, barbecues, charcoal briquettes and CSA/ULC-approved gas appliances are still permitted.

“Fine fuels such as grass and brush are highly susceptible to ignition and can spread quickly, particularly in windy conditions,” said the City of Williams Lake.

“The ban is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and help protect homes, neighbourhoods and emergency responders. The city and the Williams Lake Fire Department thank residents for their cooperation and vigilance.”

by Elora McCormack

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Williams Lake to implement campfire ban within city limits

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