Campfire Bans in Protected Areas - Questions & Answers
Who imposes these Bans?
These bans are imposed in accordance with the Wildfire Act, administered by the Ministry of Forests and Range, Wildfire Management Branch.
For further information about fire restrictions please check the Ministry of Forests and Range - Fire ban web page. The Ministry of Forests, Protection Branch has more information on "Helping to Prevent Forest Fires".
Why are some parks allowed to have campfires when there is a campfire ban?
When a regional campfire ban is imposed by the Ministry of Forests, campfires in most areas of provincial parks are also banned under the Park and Recreation Area Regulation.
Exceptions may be made for some provincial park campgrounds (i.e.: the campground only, not the whole park) where campfires are kept in fire rings, the campground is constantly supervised by park staff or contractors, and, the campground is car accessible. In these situations the risk of wildfire is deemed to be lower than it is for general unsupervised Crown Land or park areas where the ban is in place.
The decision to allow campfires in a park campground is cooperatively made by BC Parks and Ministry of Forests Fire Control Officers. In all cases, wildfire threat is closely monitored and closures are applied to campgrounds when required.
Why do some parks in a region allow campfires while others are closed?
When a regional campfire ban is imposed, campfires in most provincial park areas are also banned. However, there may be situations where in some areas of a region, because of moist weather patterns, (ie: west coast of Vancouver Island, Interior wet belt, high mountain parks) the fire risk is low and campfires are allowed. In all cases, wildfire threat is closely monitored and closures are applied to provincial parks when required .
What can I cook with?
A campfire ban does not restrict cooking with stoves using gas, propane, or briquettes.
A campfire ban prohibits the use of open fires in burn barrels, fireworks and other open flame campfire apparatus. Portable gas fuelled fire rings are also considered open burning as described in the Wildfire Act and Wildfire Regulation, and are not permitted.
Why impose campfire bans?
During the summer season, BC Parks may impose campfire bans in provincial parks due to forest fire hazards or forest fires occurring in the area. Although closing parks and banning campfires may inconvenience backcountry users and/or frontcountry campers, the safety of park visitors and the need to protect park facilities and natural resources from wildfire have to take precedence.
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