Wildfire Conditions & Campfire Bans

British Columbia implements certain fire bans and restrictions when there are significant risks to its population and environment. There are three categories of fires that can be affected by restrictions: open fires, campfires and forest use.

Before you embark on a trip you can check on any fire bans and restrictions in effect across the province. Such restrictions do not include Canadian national parks and areas which are within the boundaries of local government and subject to their bylaws – verify national park or local policies before starting any fire. Note that in some wildlife management areas and conservation lands in BC campfires are never allowed. 

BC Parks has a general information webpage on campfire bans and safety  and obtains updated information from the BC Wildfire Service.

To report wildfires to the BC Wildfire Service dial *5555 on a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555.

For Canadian national parks located in BC, report any wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Dispatch: 1 (888)762-1422 (Yoho and Kootenay national parks) or 1 (877) 852-3100 (all other BC located national parks). For information on wildfire activity and fire bans within Canadian national parks, visit the park’s respective website.

You can also refer to DriveBC for up-to-date info on road conditions and closures or to report a highway problem. Alerts are helpful during BC’s peak wildfire season and you can listen to the latest updates on the province’s highway conditions by calling 1-800-550-4997.

Also, for emergency preparedness messaging, resources and provincial updates visit Hello BC’s Emergency Information webpage.

Additional information can be found on the provincial government’s webpage BC Fire Bans and Restrictions.