Fire Danger Ratings

The fire danger rating information is an estimate of the potential risk for fires. It is calculated daily at points throughout the area by measuring the humidity, wind speed, temperature and amount of precipitation. Contact us at any time if you have questions and or concerns before you decide to start an open fire.

Extreme

Extremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk is very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts. General forest activities may be restricted, including open burning, industrial activities and campfires. Contact us for more information.

High

Forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Extreme caution must be used in any forest activities. Open burning and industrial activities may be restricted. Contact us for more information.

Moderate

Forest fuels are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting. Carry out any forest activities with caution. Always keep an eye on the open fire you start and never leave unattended. Also ensure you have enough water and fire extinguishers to put out the fire if needed.

Low

Fires may start easily and spread quickly but there will be minimal involvement of deeper fuel layers or larger fuels. Always keep an eye on the open fire you start and never leave unattended. Also ensure you have enough water and fire extinguishers to put out the fire if needed.

 For more info here

Find the latest seasonal outlook here

Burning Details & Info

Anyone lighting a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. 

A Category 3 open fire is a fire that burns material more than two metres high or three metres wide, stubble or grass of more than 2,000 square metres, or more than two piles of any size. 

The BC Wildfire Service urges people to take the following precautions with any permitted outdoor burning:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and stop it from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that the fire is fully extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cellphone.

Follow the latest wildfire news:

• on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• on Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

What is a Campfire?:

A campfire is an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 m in height and 0.5 m in width and is used by any person for recreational purposes, or by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose.

Many British Columbians and visitors to our province enjoy campfires. To prevent your campfire from turning in to a wildfire be sure to:

• Check current campfire restrictions for the area you are in
• Select your campsite and campfire location carefully
• Remove all leaves, twigs and other flammable material from the area around where you plan to light your campfire
• Never have a campfire when it’s windy
• Choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris
• Do not leave a campfire unattended for ANY amount of time
• Keep a bucket of at least eight litres of water close by the fire at all time, and/or a hand tool (such as a shovel) to extinguish the fire properly
• Completely extinguish your campfire before you go to sleep or leave the area for any period of time.
• To extinguish your campfire, pour plenty of water on the fire and surrounding area, dousing the site of the campfire thoroughly. Stir the campfire until there are no embers and the ashes are cold to the touch.

Poorly managed and abandoned campfires result in numerous wildfires each year. Follow the links below to find out the best ways to avoid your campfire from turning into a wildfire.