Canada imposes wide campfire bans amid wildfire risk

The Coastal Fire Centre announced that the District of Tofino in British Columbia will prohibit all Category 1 campfires beginning at noon on July 16, 2026, extending the existing bans on larger fires through October 31, 2026. Only propane or gas fire pits and small‑flame cooking devices are permitted, and the public is urged to report violations.

In Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources declared a Restricted Fire Zone effective July 15 at 12:01 a.m. covering most of the Northwest Region and a portion of the Northeast Region. The order bans open‑air burning, including campfires, and suspends all burning permits until further notice. Portable gas or propane stoves may be used with caution. Both measures aim to reduce human‑caused wildfires amid high fire‑hazard conditions.