Category 1 Fire Prohibition Rescinded
September 10, 2026 — Metchosin, BC
The District of Metchosin and Metchosin Fire Department are advising residents that the local prohibition on Category 1 fires is being rescinded, effective Friday September 11, 1200hrs.
This decision reflects changing local conditions and improved fire-weather conditions, together with the recent rescindment of the Category 1 campfire prohibition by the Province across the Coastal Fire Centre.
Category 1 fires permitted
Residents may once again have Category 1 campfires, where otherwise permitted, subject to all applicable provincial and local requirements.
A Category 1 campfire is an open fire that:
- burns material in one pile no larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width; and
- is lit, fuelled or used for a recreational purpose.
Fire safety remains essential
The rescindment of the prohibition does not mean that conditions are risk-free. Residents are reminded that they remain responsible for ensuring that any fire is conducted safely and does not escape.
Anyone having a Category 1 fire must:
- Ensure the fire is safe and is likely to remain safe;
- Maintain a proper fuel break around the fire;
- Keep the fire under constant watch and have sufficient firefighting tools immediately available;
- Never leave a fire unattended;
- Fully extinguish the fire before leaving;
- Ensure the fire does not spread beyond the burn area.
Residents are also encouraged to avoid having a campfire during windy conditions and to maintain a clear area around the fire, including keeping fires well away from vegetation, structures and combustible debris.
Other fire restrictions remain in effect
This notice applies only to Category 1 fires.
Other provincial, regional or local fire restrictions remain in effect, including restrictions applicable to Category 2 and Category 3 open fires. Residents must confirm that the type of fire they intend to conduct is permitted before lighting it.
Fire conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of current conditions and follow any additional restrictions or directions issued by the District of Metchosin, Metchosin Fire Department or BC Wildfire Service.
When in doubt, don't burn.
For current provincial wildfire restrictions and information, visit the BC Wildfire Service website or use the BC Wildfire Service app.
Metchosin Fire Department
District of Metchosin
Residents are also reminded to:
- Properly dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials.
- Avoid parking vehicles or equipment on dry grass or vegetation.
- Use caution when operating equipment that may create sparks.
- Stay informed of current fire restrictions before conducting any outdoor burning.
Anyone who contravenes a fire prohibition may be subject to enforcement action, including fines and cost recovery for wildfire suppression.
Reporting a Wildfire
If you see smoke or an unattended wildfire, report it immediately by calling:
- 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free)
- *5555 from a cell phone
The current prohibition will remain in effect until October 31, 2026, or until rescinded by the BC Wildfire Service.
Thank you for doing your part to help protect our community, our neighbours, and our natural environment.
Metchosin Fire Department
Our Family Protecting Your FamilyImportant Notice – Contacting the Metchosin Fire Department
To ensure you receive the appropriate assistance, please use the following contact numbers:
🚒 Emergency Assistance (24 Hours a Day)
For any emergency requiring an immediate fire, rescue, or medical response, call 911.
☎️ Non-Emergency Inquiries (Monday–Friday, Business Hours)
For general inquiries, inspections, permits, administration, or other non-urgent matters, please contact the Metchosin Fire Department office at 250-478-1307 during regular business hours.
🌙 After-Hours Requests
The Metchosin Fire Department is not staffed at the fire hall after regular business hours.
Any after-hours request requiring a response from the Fire Department or a Duty Officer must be initiated by calling 911. This includes requests for emergency assistance or incidents where attendance by the Fire Department is required. Calling the office number after hours will not initiate a fire department response.
Thank you for helping us ensure requests are directed through the appropriate channels so our firefighters can respond quickly and efficiently when needed.
☀️🔥 Warm Weather Means Increased Wildfire Risk – Burn Responsibly, Metchosin 🔥☀️
Environment Canada and BC Wildfire Service are forecasting a significant warming trend across Vancouver Island and the South Coast beginning this weekend, with temperatures expected to rise Saturday and peak Sunday through Monday.
With increased outdoor activities, summer travel, longer daylight hours, and drier conditions, the risk of human-caused wildfires also increases.
While Category 1 campfires are currently permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre, residents are reminded that conditions can change quickly and restrictions may be updated with little notice.
If you are having a campfire:
✅ Never leave it unattended
✅ Do not burn during windy conditions
✅ Keep water and tools nearby
✅ Follow all local bylaws and regulations
✅ Completely extinguish your fire before leaving – it should be cool to the touch
Please remember that Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, along with certain equipment and activities throughout the Coastal Fire Centre.
Residents should also be aware that local governments, parks, and First Nations may have additional restrictions in place. Always check current regulations before lighting any fire.
📊 Wildfire activity is already ahead of recent years:
• 66 wildfires recorded since April 1, 2026
• 160 hectares burned
• 3 active wildfires currently burning
• 6 new wildfires reported in the past week
Most wildfires are preventable. A moment of care and attention can prevent a wildfire that threatens homes, forests, and our community.
As conditions continue to warm and dry, please stay informed and monitor updates from BC Wildfire Service and local authorities for any changes to burning regulations.
Together, we can help keep Metchosin safe this summer.
🚒🌲 #MetchosinFire #BurnResponsibly #WildfireSafety #FireSmart #CampfireSafety #BCWildfire #Metchosin
The Metchosin Fire Department
The District of Metchosin encompasses 17,396 acres of varying terrain and over 2,000 acres of foreshore. This rural community is home to 6,000 residents, four schools, a Federal prison, three military bases, several fuel marinas, and a First Nations Reserve.
The Metchosin Fire Department consists of 1 fire station and 38 volunteer firefighters. Our Firehall is situated in the Village core and is the hub of many community events. Two full-time firefighting personnel are staffed by the District and respond to emergencies during normal business hours Monday to Friday.
The Fire Department responds to approximately 700 calls per year, which include various public assists, fires, motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. Apparatus include 3 engines, 1 tanker, 1 rescue, 1 duty vehicles for transporting personnel and additional equipment and an all terrain vehicle for remote rescues.
All fire calls are dispatched through the Saanich Fire Dispatch Centre. All volunteers are required to carry pagers, supplied to them by the Fire Department, for notification purposes. When an emergency arises, volunteers are to respond directly to the fire station for response.
All volunteers share in the responsibility for the maintenance of apparatus and equipment. Volunteers are responsible to assist with cleaning of apparatus and equipment after an emergency incident and training sessions.
Under the direction of the Fire Chief and Training Officers, all firefighters are required to participate in the training program which incorporates and emphasizes safety and education. Additionally all active members of the Fire Department, are also required to assist and participate in various community activities and public education events throughout the year.
