Campfire prohibition coming into effect in Cariboo Fire Centre

The wildfire service defines a campfire as an open fire that is no larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide. In 2025, a campfire ban wasn’t placed in the Cariboo Fire Centre until Aug. 28.

The ban doesn’t include using approved outdoor stoves, including those powered by gas, propane or other permitted fuels.

Category 2 and 3 open fire bans came into effect in the Cariboo Fire Centre on April 23.

Anyone found violating an open burning prohibition may be ticketed 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.

People are encouraged to call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone if they spot a wildfire, as well as submitting a photo on the BC Wildfire Service mobile app. They’re also being urged to follow all fire restrictions and use caution while enjoying outdoor spaces.

As of Tuesday, the fire danger rating for the Cariboo Fire Centre ranges from low to very low in the top half of the region and moderate to high in the bottom half.

(Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

The wildfire service says campfire prohibitions consider factors such as the level of fire activity within the region, availability of firefighting resources, fire danger ratings, weather indices, potential for lightning, risk of human-caused fires and the region’s Buildup Index.

As of publication, there are 87 active wildfires in B.C. Of them, 24 are in the Cariboo Fire Centre, with nine classified as out of control.

by Aaron Schulze

Campfire prohibition coming into effect in Cariboo Fire Centre

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