To assist with the response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Fernie Fire Rescue is implementing a total fire ban for the City of Fernie.

The fire ban will go into effect April 16, 2020 and prohibits all campfires, including fire pits, within the City boundary.

The City of Fernie ban supports the Province-wide prohibition on open burning of Category 2 and Category 3 Fires that is in effect at 1PM MT on April 16, 2020. All open burning activities will be prohibited throughout British Columbia to reduce the likelihood of human caused wildfires.

Throughout British Columbia the following activities will be prohibited, and these restrictions will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified: Category 2 open fires; Category 3 open fires; Resource Management open fires; the use of fireworks; the use of sky lanterns; and the use of burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description (except when used for a campfire).

These prohibitions will apply to all public and private land within British Columbia, unless specified otherwise (e.g., in a local government bylaw).

In line with the Provincial ban, this City of Fernie fire ban is intended to reduce demands on firefighting resources, limit false alarm calls, and help protect the health and safety of the public, and staff. It will also help reduce the impact of smoke on air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The total fire ban for the City of Fernie is in effect until further notice. The annual fire pit permit renewal process has been suspended while this ban is in place.

For the latest information on current Provincial wildfire activity, burning restrictions, and air quality advisories click here.

To report an illegal fire in the City of Fernie boundary call 250-423-4226. To report a wildfire, an unattended campfire, or an open burn violation outside the City boundary call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.