British Columbia imposes extensive campfire and open‑fire bans amid wildfire threat

The BC Wildfire Service announced that the Kamloops Fire Centre will prohibit all campfires, fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, wood‑fired pizza ovens and hot tubs beginning at noon on July 10. Violations can result in tickets of $1,150, administrative penalties up to $10,000, or fines up to $100,000 and possible jail time. Outdoor stoves are exempt.

Separately, the Southeast Fire Centre issued a ban on Category 2 open fires across the Kootenay region effective July 10, remaining in force until Oct. 31. The ban does not cover campfires but applies to parks, conservancies, recreation sites, ecological reserves and other lands outside municipal boundaries.

Wildfires near Boston Bar have generated thick orange smoke that drifted into the Thompson‑Shuswap area, prompting Environment Canada air‑quality warnings for Kamloops and Salmon Arm. Fine‑particulate measurements exceeded 300 µg/m³, a hazardous level, and the smoke persisted into the following morning. The Town of Comox also remains under a permanent campfire prohibition despite relaxations elsewhere in the province.