A campfire ban in the Southwestern Fire Centre will be rescinded effective Friday, Sept. 14, at 1PM MST. This includes Fernie, the Elk Valley and South Country as displayed on the following map.

This video shows how to safely light and maintain a campfire:

At the same time, Category 2 open fires will once again be permitted in the Columbia Fire Zone only. Larger Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

The following activities remain prohibited in the Boundary, Arrow, Kootenay Lake, Invermere and Cranbrook fire zones:
– Category 2 open fires, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation stubble or grass burning of any size
– the use of air curtain burners (forced-air burning systems)
– the use of sky lanterns
– the use of fireworks, including firecrackers
– the use of burn barrels or burning cages of any size or description
– the use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for target practice)

The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for its continued support, vigilance and co-operation during this challenging fire season.

The Southeast Fire Centre encompasses the area extending from the United States border in the south to Mica Dam in the north, and from the Okanagan Highlands or Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. The Southeast Fire Centre includes the Selkirk and Rocky Mountain natural resource districts.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, click here

Enjoy your campfire!