🔥 OPEN FIRE PROHIBITION – METCHOSIN

Effective September 30, 2026

The Coastal Fire Centre has announced that, effective 12:00 p.m. (noon) Wednesday, September 30, all remaining Category 2 and Category 3 open fire prohibitions within the Coastal Fire Centre will be lifted.

However, the District of Metchosin will maintain its local open fire prohibition at this time.

Despite the provincial change, local conditions in Metchosin continue to warrant caution. The Metchosin Fire Department will continue to monitor weather, fuel conditions and fire activity and will reassess the local prohibition as conditions change.

What this means for residents

Campfires remain permitted in Metchosin while following all applicable regulations and safe-burning practices.

Interior wood-fired appliances, such as wood stoves, may continue to be used and are exempt from provincial open-fire prohibitions.

Do not assume that changes to provincial restrictions automatically apply to Metchosin.

Check with the District of Metchosin / Metchosin Fire Department before conducting any open burning.

Continue to exercise extreme caution with any permitted fire.

Report any uncontrolled or unattended fire to 911.

The safety of our community remains our priority. Metchosin Fire Department will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as local restrictions change.

Thank you for helping keep Metchosin safe.

September 10, 2026 

Metchosin Fire Department are advising residents that the local prohibition on Category 1 fires is being rescinded, effective Friday September 11, 1200hrs.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.

Please follow these guidelines to help reduce the danger from fire and the discomfort from smoke in the community:

1. Open burning is permitted from October 1st to May 31st only (unless otherwise posted).
2. Open burning is permitted from 6am to 6pm only. Fires must be completely extinguished by 6pm – no smoldering fires. No larger than 6ft in diameter.
3. ONLY DRY LEAVES, TREE TRIMMINGS & RESIDENTIAL YARD DEBRIS ARE ACCEPTABLE BURNING MATERIALS – UNDER 10CM IN DIAMETER
4. The burning of any construction waste, demolition debris, wet garbage, food or household waste, plastic, rubber, asphalt shingles, or other similar material is prohibited.
5. Camp fires must be no larger than 2ft in diameter and must be fully extinguished by midnight. 

Please ensure:

• A responsible person is in constant supervision of the fire
• A hose or water source is available at all times
• The fire is hot and only dry material is burned in order to avoid excessive smoke
• Do not ignite a fire in high wind conditions
• Do not use petroleum products to accelerate or sustain the fire
• Do not burn materials that have not originated from the property

Specific Regulations