The Category 2 Open Fire Ban will be lifted across the Southeast Fire Centre, including the Fernie area, effective Friday, September 11, 2026.

BC Wildfire Service will rescind the prohibition at 1PM in Fernie.

A Category 2 open fire includes:
• One pile up to two metres high and three metres wide.
• Two piles burning at the same time, each up to two metres high and three metres wide.
• Burning grass or stubble over an area no larger than 0.2 hectares.

Fireworks, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and controlled air incinerators will also be permitted.

Anyone burning must maintain a fuel break, avoid burning in windy conditions, supervise the fire and ensure it is completely extinguished before leaving.

Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre. The Category 3 prohibition has been in place since May 21 and also prohibits air curtain burners and carbonizers.

Campfires have already been permitted again throughout the Southeast Fire Centre since September 1.

BC Wildfire Service restrictions generally apply outside municipal boundaries. Within municipalities, local fire restrictions may also apply.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open-burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone.