Campfires are back just in time for the Labour Day long weekend on Vancouver Island, thanks to improved conditions in the backcountry. (Image Credit: Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

conditions improve

Campfire ban to be removed ahead of September long weekend

Sep 2, 2026 | 9:01 AM

NANAIMO — S’mores are back on the menu, just in time for the final long weekend of the summer.

The Coastal Fire Centre will remove its category one open fire prohibition, more commonly referred to as a campfire ban, at noon on Thursday, Sept. 3, for all areas of Vancouver Island and Coastal B.C.

“Although fire danger ratings have declined throughout much of the Coastal Fire Centre as a result of recent rainfall, along with shorter days, longer nights, and cooler temperatures, the public is encouraged to continue exercising caution with the use of any open fire,” a notice from the Centre read.

Campfires are defined as being no bigger than a half metre by half metre in size, and must be fully extinguished and cool to the touch after use.

Changes to prohibitions only affect land under Coastal Fire Centre jurisdiction, with municipal fire regulations remaining in effect.

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For the City of Nanaimo, campfires and all open fires are prohibited in public spaces, including parks and beaches.

Cooking fires are permitted solely for the use of cooking food, while campfires are permitted in designated campgrounds.

The Coastal Fire Centre is maintaining its prohibition on larger open fires for the time being, with fireworks, burn barrels, binary exploding targets, and air curtain burners remaining banned.

“It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations,” the Centre’s notice added. “Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150. They may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.”

Nine fires are listed as burning on Vancouver Island, all considered either being held or under control.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Campfire ban to be removed ahead of September long weekend

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