Update: Category 1 Campfire Prohibition Rescinded in Effective May 15

Update - May 13, 2026:

Effective Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon), the Category 1 campfire prohibition will be rescinded throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, including the District of Sooke. Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions remain in effect.

The Category 1 campfire prohibition was initially implemented due to a combination of elevated wildfire risk factors, including:

• Prolonged hot and dry conditions
• Rising fire weather indices
• Elevated incidence of human-caused wildfires
• Early season operational capacity concerns

Current and forecast conditions have since improved, bringing cooler temperatures, higher humidity levels, and an overall reduction in wildfire hazard throughout the Coastal Fire Centre. As a result, Category 1 campfires will once again be permitted under Coastal Fire Centre jurisdiction.

Anyone choosing to light a Category 1 campfire must do so responsibly and in accordance with Section 20 of the Wildfire Regulation:

• Do not burn in windy conditions
• Establish and maintain a fuel break
• Do not leave the fire unattended
• Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the area
• Immediately control or report any fire that spreads beyond the fuel break

Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited until further notice.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed on current fire prohibitions and wildfire activity by visiting the BC Wildfire Service website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

The District of Sooke thanks the community for continuing to help reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety.

Original post - May 6, 2026:

Starting at 12 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, May 7, 2026, all open burning including campfires, will be prohibited across the Coastal Fire Centre region, including Sooke.

This ban is in place to reduce wildfire risk and is expected to remain until October 31, 2026, or until lifted.

Open burning remains the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in B.C.—fires that are entirely preventable. These incidents can put people and property at risk, strain emergency response resources, and pull crews away from naturally occurring wildfires both in our community and across the province.