Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Michael Reeve

CAMPFIRE BAN

BC Wildfire to enact campfire ban Thursday for Kamloops, Cariboo fire centres

Aug 26, 2025 | 2:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Wildfire Service is enacting the first campfire ban of the season on Thursday (Aug 28) for the Kamloops and Cariboo fire centres.

The bans will take effect at noon this Thursday (Aug. 28) “to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.” It’s taking effect a lot later than usual when compared to recent years and its set to remain in effect until noon on Oct. 17, unless it is rescinded earlier.

These campfire bans are being implemented as the province continues to experience an ongoing spell of unseasonably warm weather.

“Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province,” a statement from the BC Wildfire Service said, noting its decision to implement the ban was taken seriously. “The BC Wildfire Service is constantly monitoring current and forecasted conditions and maintaining preparedness.”

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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. La

In addition to campfires being prohibited, the following activities and equipment are also restricted:

• Air curtain burners
• Carbonizers
• Binary exploding targets
• Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
• Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
• Controlled air incinerators
• Sky lanterns
• Wood fired hot tubs, wood fired pizza ovens and other wood fired devices unless vented through a structure that has a flue and is incorporated in a building

“Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, 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,” continues the press release.

In addition to the BCWS ban, Kamloops does not allow campfires within city limits at anytime.