The Coastal Fire Centre is lifting its campfire ban, and several local fire service areas within the Strathcona Regional District are following suit due to changing weather conditions and a reduction in wildfire risk.
Effective 12:00 pm on Friday, May 15, 2026, campfires will once again be permitted in the following areas:
- All of Electoral Area A (Kyuquot/Nootka–Sayward)
- All of Electoral Area B (Cortes Island)
- All of Electoral Area C (Quadra & Discovery Islands)
- Please note: beach fires remain prohibited year-round within the South Quadra Island Improvement District.
- All of Electoral Area D (Oyster Bay / Buttle Lake), except within the Black Creek / Oyster Bay Fire Protection Local Area
- City of Campbell River
- Village of Sayward
- Village of Tahsis
- Village of Zeballos
Campfires, backyard fires, and beach fires will remain prohibited in the following areas:
- Black Creek / Oyster Bay Fire Protection Local Area
- Village of Gold River
- South Quadra Island Improvement District (beach fires remain prohibited)
Please note that Category 2 and Category 3 fires — any fire larger than 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres — remain prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre jurisdiction.
Although the campfire ban has been lifted in many areas, residents are encouraged to continue exercising caution and diligence when using campfires. Fires should never be left unattended, and anyone lighting a fire must have appropriate tools or water available to fully extinguish it.
Residents should always check current local and provincial fire restrictions before lighting any fire.
To stay informed, learn more about fire restrictions, or determine which fire protection area you reside in, please visit: www.srd.ca/fire-protection.