Campfire Ban lifted within District of Squamish as of August 28 at noon

Effective Wednesday, August 28 at noon, the campfire prohibition in all regions of the Coastal Fire Centre will be lifted. The campfire prohibition will be lifted within the District of Squamish concurrently.

Campfires within the District of Squamish are only permitted with a residential campfire permit on private property. No campfires are permitted on public lands (such as parks, beaches, lakes, forested areas and trails) within the District of Squamish boundary. 

“The current fire danger rating is low and is expected to remain so despite the hot dry weather in the forecast,” says Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote. “Human-caused fires are preventable and divert resources from lightning-caused fires and other critical responses. We appreciate community efforts on compliance this season that has significantly reduced the number of abandoned or unattended campfires within the District of Squamish.”

Although the fire danger has declined in the Coastal Fire Centre due to recent rainfall and cooler, more seasonal temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations.

While campfires will be allowed in the Coastal Fire Centre, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and air curtain burners. 

Reminders about campfires:

• A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide;
• Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material;
• Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil;
• Never leave a fire unattended;
• Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
• Always practice safe, responsible fire use where permitted.

August 28, 2024