During a news conference, Emergency Preparedness Minister Bowinn Ma provided an update on the wildfire situation in British Columbia and announced a complete ban on campfires. The decision comes in response to the alarming conditions across the province, with recent lightning strikes causing 115 new blazes over the weekend. Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued in the northwest, northeast, and Cariboo regions.
Minister Ma emphasized the anticipation of continued extreme fire behavior and urged all residents to take responsibility in preventing the situation from worsening. The ban encompasses campfires smaller than 0.5 meters wide and 0.5 meters tall, as well as the use of fireworks, torches (such as “tiki” torches), chimineas, and sky lanterns. Those found violating the ban may face penalties, including fines, jail time, and liability for firefighting costs. However, Haida Gwaii is exempt from the ban.
Officials emphasize that the complete ban is necessary due to tinder-dry conditions resulting from an ongoing drought affecting most of the province. Additionally, the forecast predicts further heat and lightning, exacerbating the wildfire risk. With limited capacity to respond to preventable fires, provincial firefighting crews are already working long hours and facing exhaustion. To bolster their efforts, resources from countries like Korea, France, and the Dominican Republic have been called upon—an unprecedented measure highlighting the severity of the situation nationwide.
Cliff Chapman of the BC Wildfire Service stressed the urgent need to prevent human-caused fires and expressed concern that even a single campfire that gets out of control could divert resources away from existing firefighting efforts. International support is being sought to ensure an effective response.
Minister Ma also drew attention to the compounding effects of drought conditions and urged residents to conserve water. She hinted at the possibility of additional water restrictions beyond those already imposed by local governments. This challenging time has taken a toll on communities, with the stress of living amidst smoke, being near fires, or remaining on evacuation alerts. Ma encouraged individuals to comply with evacuation orders, prepare essential grab-and-go bags, report wildfires, conserve water, and familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and available resources.
While a state of emergency has been declared for the unincorporated Stikine region to enable evacuation orders and alerts, the province is not yet in a position where a state of emergency is deemed necessary overall. The government emphasizes the importance of individual actions and responsible behavior to mitigate the wildfire risk and protect communities.