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Alberni Valley Fire Ban 2025

Restrictions and Safety Information

New Fire Ban in the Alberni Valley: Category 1 Open Fire Prohibition Effective Thursday, July 17, 2025.

As temperatures rise and dry conditions intensify, wildfire prevention remains an important community priority. To reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, the BC Wildfire Service has announced that a Category 1 open fire prohibition will take effect across the Coastal Fire Centre—including the Alberni Valley—at 12:00 noon on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

This prohibition will stay in place until October 31, 2025, or until conditions allow it to be lifted earlier.

Here’s what residents, campers, and visitors need to know.

What Is Prohibited?

Category 1 open fires, also known as campfires, will be banned. This means:

  • No Fireworks; as defined in the Fireworks Act
  • No Binary Exploding Targets
  • No Sky Lanterns
  • No Wood fired hot tubs, wood fired pizza ovens and other wood fired devices unless vented through a structure that has a flue and is incorporated in a building
  • No Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description
  • No Controlled air incinerators
  • No Air curtain burners
  • No Carbonizers

The prohibition applies to all public and private land within the Coastal Fire Centre jurisdiction, with the exception of Haida Gwaii Forest District and part of the Central Coast Regional District. For full details please see the BC Wildfire Service: Coastal Fire Centre bulletin.

What Remains Permitted?

Certain devices may continue to be used if they meet specific safety requirements:

  • CSA- or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes
  • Portable campfire apparatus that uses briquettes, liquid fuel, or gaseous fuel, provided the flame height does not exceed 15 cm
  • Charcoal barbecues used safely on non-combustible surfaces

Before using any device, check that it is certified and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Why This Ban Is Important

Extended periods of hot, dry weather create high wildfire risk. Even a small spark from an unattended campfire can lead to a fast-moving wildfire threatening homes, wildlife habitat, and critical infrastructure.

The fire ban supports:

  • Protecting community safety and property
  • Preserving forests and wildlife
  • Reducing demand on emergency services during peak fire season

Reporting Fires or Prohibited Activity

If you see smoke, flames, or unauthorized open burning:

  • Report wildfires: Call 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free) or *5555 from a cell phone
  • Report violations: Contact the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277

Stay Informed

Before heading outdoors, take a moment to:

  • Check current bans, restrictions, and wildfire danger ratings at BC Wildfire Service
  • Stay aware of local municipal regulations, which may include additional restrictions
  • Practice safe recreation and pack out all waste

Together, we can help keep the Alberni Valley safe and enjoyable for everyone this summer.