For many campers, a campfire is a unique tradition that adds to the camping experience. For some, it recalls childhood memories of times spent with family sharing stories, singing songs and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.
When it comes to building a campfire, taking care and being mindful of our environment is all of our responsibility. Our love for our surrounding nature, forests and animal life runs deep, yet all it takes is one careless move for disaster to strike and jeopardize all the beautiful nature around us.
Always Remember the Rules
- Campfires are prohibited in an area which has fire restrictions or bans. It is the campers' responsibility to find out what areas have campfire prohibitions and restrictions.
- Campfires require a fireguard, this means scraping down the dirt one metre high around the fire and removing flammable items, such as twigs, leaves, needles etc...
- Campers must have at least 8 litres of water and/or a shovel to properly extinguish the fire.
- Fires are not to be larger than 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres or approximately 19 inches by 19 inches.
- Campfires are never to be left unattended.
- When leaving the campfire, it must be properly extinguished so ashes are cool to touch.
Safe campfire practices
- Be responsible and safe.
- Check with regional fire regulations and weather conditions before building a campfire.
- Be confident and ensure that your campfire could not start a wildfire in the surrounding forests.
- Fires should be built away from flammable items, such as tents, overhanging trees, camp chairs and awnings etc...
- It is prohibited to use flammable fluids to start a fire.
- Respect and conserve living trees and species.
- Buy and burn firewood sourced locally.
- Do not transport firewood. Pests, such as insects and invasive disease can destroy our forests.
- Keep the fire small and controlled. Larger fires can grow out of control quickly and are harder to extinguish.
- Limit burning hours. This helps to conserve firewood, improve air quality and reduce risk of forest fires.
- Do not burn garbage or trash. This can create unpleasant smells for neighbours, add to air pollution, attract bears and leave a mess behind.
- Be certain that the campfire is extinguished before leaving it. Pour water and stir the fire. When done, sift your fingers through ashes to make sure it is out.
- When a fire is completely extinguished there is no heat, smoke or steam.
- To report a forest or unattended fire in British Columbia call *5555 on your mobile phone or toll free 1-800-663-5555. This is a free province-wide emergency number.
Most campgrounds in British Columbia, whether they are private campgrounds or RV parks, provincial parks, recreation sites (forestry sites), or national parks, allow campfires unless there is a fire restriction brought on by prolonged dry hot conditions. Island Time RV offers portable propane fire bowels which can be added to your rental during a fire ban, or if you are just looking for a clean and easy campfire experience. You can add this option to your rental easily while booking.
Here’s to safe and responsible camping!
