Campers Fined Nearly $30K for Ignoring B.C. Campfire Ban Over Long Weekend
Campers across British Columbia’s South Coast racked up nearly $30,000 in fines over the B.C. Day long weekend for violating a strict campfire ban that has been in place since July 17, 2025.
High Penalties for Non-Compliance
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) issued 26 violation tickets, each costing $1,150, to campers who lit fires despite the ongoing restrictions. These fines were handed out across the Coastal Fire Centre, with 16 violations reported specifically in the Sea-to-Sky region.
According to Calvin Rochon, a conservation officer based in Squamish, some sites had multiple people fined at once. Two more tickets were given to individuals accessing restricted wildfire zones near the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Vancouver Island, where active fires pose an even greater danger.
Why the Ban Matters
The fire ban includes Category 1 fires, defined as campfires no larger than 0.5 metres in height and width. Outdoor stoves remain permitted. However, even these smaller fires can pose a serious threat during dry conditions.
“Open fire is the largest cause of human-caused fires in B.C.,” said Christi Howes, spokesperson for the B.C. Wildfire Service. Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable but continue to strain resources, especially during “critical fire situations.”
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Officials emphasized that fire bans are designed to reduce preventable fire incidents, especially as lightning-caused fires become more likely in August. Although light rain fell over parts of the province this week, Cliff Chapman of the B.C. Wildfire Service said it only brings temporary relief.
Potential Consequences Are Severe
Fines are only the beginning. If found guilty in court, individuals can face:
- Administrative penalties up to $10,000
- Fines up to $100,000
- One year in jail
If a fire causes a wildfire, offenders may also be liable for all firefighting costs, which could range into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
“It’s honestly not worth one night of a good time,” Rochon warned. “Just respect the regulations until fires are allowed again.”
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Ban Remains in Effect
Larger Category 2 and 3 fires — including burn piles and larger open fires — are already banned across the province. The campfire ban will remain in effect until October 31, unless cooler temperatures and rain arrive earlier.
The current fire restrictions do not apply to Haida Gwaii or parts of the Central Coast like Bella Coola, but all other campers in the region must follow the rules to protect the province’s forests and communities.
Would a bigger fine or stricter enforcement help reduce these violations? Share your thoughts in the comments.
More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-campers-campfire-ban-south-coast-1.7602797
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/toronto-among-the-most-polluted-cities-as-wildfire-smoke-triggers-air-quality-alert
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/china-battles-chikungunya-outbreak-as-over-7000-cases-reported
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