The BC Wildfire Service has announced that the Category 3 open fire prohibition will be rescinded at 1:00 PM (MT) on Thursday, October 16, 2025, across the Southeast Fire Centre, which includes Fernie, the Elk Valley, and South Country.

This change follows a sustained decrease in wildfire risk across the region. The decision comes just over a week after the lifting of Category 2 fire restrictions on October 8.

With this latest update, all open burning categories are now permitted within the Southeast Fire Centre, subject to local bylaws and regulations.

Activities Now Permitted

• The following Category 3 open fire activities are once again allowed:

• Burning material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding two metres high and three metres wide.

• Burning material in one or more piles, each exceeding two metres high or three metres wide.

• Burning one or more windrows not exceeding 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width.

• Burning stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.

• Use of air curtain burners and carbonizers.

Anyone planning a Category 3 burn must first obtain a burn registration number (free of charge) by calling 1-888-797-1717. The BC Wildfire Service tracks all registered burns through its Open Fire Tracking System.

Regulations and Safety Requirements

• All open burning must comply with the Wildfire Act, Environmental Management Act, and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.

• Before lighting a fire, residents must:

• Check the local venting index and smoke sensitivity zone to ensure suitable conditions.

• Confirm that no municipal or regional bylaws restrict burning in their area.

• Ensure all safety precautions are in place to prevent fires from escaping.

For venting conditions, visit the BC Ventilation Index interactive map
.
Penalties and Reporting
Anyone found violating open fire regulations may face significant penalties — including tickets up to $1,150, administrative fines of $10,000, or court fines of up to $100,000 and/or one year in jail. Fires that cause or contribute to wildfires may result in fines up to $1 million and liability for firefighting costs.

The Southeast Fire Centre thanks the public for its continued cooperation in reducing wildfire risk.

You can find more information on prohibitions and restrictions within the Southeast Fire Centre here.

How to report a wildfire using the BC Wildfire Service app