A campfire ban is coming into effect for Vancouver Island and the Coastal Fire Centre. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fire ban

Campfire ban coming for Vancouver Island

Jul 15, 2025 | 3:08 PM

NANAIMO — Hot, dry and windy conditions have finally forced the hand of local fire officials.

An open fire ban, including the use of campfires, will go into effect across all of Vancouver Island, and a vast majority of the Coastal Fire Centre at noon on Thursday, July 17.

Coastal Fire Centre information officer Kimberly Kelly told NanaimoNewsNOW, conditions in the backcountry have changed dramatically over recent weeks, with more recent shifts in the weather rapidly drying the area out.

“We have seen very little precipitation, and more specifically, in the last few days, we’ve seen this outflow pattern bringing hot, dry air down from the Interior, which has above seasonal heat and lower relative humidity. This really drives out those fine forest fuels on the floor and increases our fire danger rating.”

Most of eastern and central Vancouver Island is in a ‘high’ fire danger rating, with pockets of extreme mainly on southern Vancouver Island.

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Kelly added this additional layer of fire prohibition is designed to limit the number of fire starts in the region.

“What we’re trying to do is prevent a spark from escaping a fire, and landing on the forest floor, which right now is covered with very dry pine needles, pine cones, twigs and leaves, which are essentially things you would use for kindling to start a fire.”

Use of ULC or CSA-certified propane stoves for cooking are still allowed.

A campfire ban is typically the final layer of fire prohibitions enacted in the Coastal Fire Centre in any given year.

Officials prohibited larger open fires, such as burn barrels, along with fireworks and sky lanterns at the end of May.

Kelly said they’re also encouraging everyone to ensure they have the BC Wildfire app downloaded to their smartphone.

“We do rely on the public for early detection and reporting of wildfires. Having the BC Wildfire app downloaded, you can monitor any current wildfire activity, but you can also use that report a fire function to share with us any detection of smoke or wildfire so we can get crews on scene as quickly as possible.”

Fire activity has remained relatively minimal on Vancouver Island to date.

A small wildfire in Lantzville was handled quickly by local volunteer fire departments, while other, more rural fires have been largely reigned in before spreading.

Of the five fires listed on Vancouver Island as of 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, only one was considered ‘out of control’ by the BC Wildfire Service.

Anyone who believes they see a wildfire should report it to the BC Wildfire Service by calling 1-800-663-5555 or, *5555 from a cell phone.

Excepted from the ban is Haida Gwaii and the B.C. central coast.

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