A sweeping ban on larger open fires is coming into effect across British Columbia’s Interior as officials move to reduce wildfire risk ahead of the summer season.
The BC Wildfire Service announced that Category 2 and Category 3 open burning will be prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre starting at noon PDT on May 7, 2026. The ban is set to remain in place until noon on Oct. 19, or until it is lifted earlier.
The restriction targets larger-scale burning activities, which are more likely to spark human-caused wildfires. Anyone currently conducting these types of burns must fully extinguish them before the deadline.
Under the province’s Wildfire Regulation, Category 2 fires include piles of debris up to two metres high and three metres wide, or small-scale grass or stubble burns. Category 3 fires cover larger or multiple piles, windrows, or burns over areas greater than 0.2 hectares.
In addition to open fires, several related activities and pieces of equipment will also be restricted. These include air curtain burners, carbonizers, burn barrels, controlled air incinerators, fireworks, and binary exploding targets.
The prohibition applies to all areas within the fire centre that fall outside municipal boundaries. It also extends to certain lands within municipalities, including parks, recreation sites, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas, and private managed forest lands. Local governments may introduce additional restrictions depending on conditions in their areas.
Officials emphasized that smaller Category 1 campfires—no larger than half a metre in height and width—are still allowed, along with cooking devices that use gas or propane.
Violating the prohibition can carry significant penalties. Individuals may face a $1,150 ticket, administrative fines up to $10,000, or court-imposed penalties of up to $100,000 and a year in jail. Those responsible for fires may also be ordered to cover firefighting costs.
The wildfire service is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire or illegal burning. Reports can be made through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app or by calling 1-800-663-5555.
With wildfire seasons becoming increasingly severe, officials say early restrictions like this are key to protecting communities and reducing preventable fires.
