B.C. conservation officers issue nearly $10,000 in campfire ban tickets per day over 3 days

A campfire pit is seen in Golden Ears Park on Friday July 12, 2024. (CityNews Image)

By Charles Brockman and Anthony Atanasov

Posted August 6, 2025 6:40 am.

Last Updated August 6, 2025 6:43 am.

Dozens of coastal British Columbians — or visitors — received a stern reminder of the ongoing campfire ban over the August long weekend.

The BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) says for the first long weekend since the campfire ban for the Coastal Fire Centre took effect, its officers issued $29,900 in violation tickets.

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In the Sea-to-Sky zone alone, officers handed out 16 tickets for a total of $18,400 in fines.

On Vancouver Island, officers issued two tickets for campfires and two for people accessing a restricted area near the Wesley Ridge wildfire.

The ban, prohibiting Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, has been in effect since July 17. Restrictions are expected to continue until Oct. 31.

The COS says officers will conduct proactive patrols throughout the summer.

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