Campfire Ban in Effect for Sooke Starting May 7, 2026

All open fires are prohibited, including:

• Campfires (even small ones)
• Backyard or yard waste burning
• Agricultural or field burning
• Large-scale debris burning

In simple terms: if it’s an open flame outdoors and not contained in an approved device, it’s not allowed.

Other prohibited activities

The following are also not allowed:

• Fireworks
• Sky lanterns
• Binary exploding targets
• Burn barrels or burn cages
• Air curtain burners and incinerators
• Carbonizers
• Wood-fired hot tubs, pizza ovens, or similar devices (unless connected to a proper chimney in a building)

You can still use approved outdoor stoves, such as:

• Propane or gas BBQs
• Camping stoves
• CSA- or ULC-rated devices

These must:

• Use gas, liquid fuel, or charcoal briquettes
• Have a flame height under 15 cm

Penalties may be enforced under both the District of Sooke Fire Regulation Bylaw and provincial legislation.

If you break the rules, you could face:

• A $1,150 ticket
• Up to $10,000 in administrative penalties
• Up to $100,000 in fines and/or 1 year in jail (if convicted)

If your fire causes a wildfire, you may also be required to pay all firefighting and related costs.