The B.C. Wildfire Service announced a ban on all campfires under the jurisduction of its Coastal Fire Centre, effective August 4.

The Forests Ministry agency had previously announced a ban on larger category 2 and 3 open fires in the same area, which includes all of Vancouver Island, until October 28. Category 2 and 3 open fires include backyard as well as industrial burning.

The service said in an August 4 bulletin and on social media that the prohibition is being put in place to reduce wildfire risk and to help ensure public safety.

A campfire does not have to have campers sitting around and toasting marshmallows to be included in the prohibition. Any open fire smaller than a half-metre high and a half-metre wide qualifies as a campfire under B.C. Wildfire Service rules.

The ban follows weeks of hot weather that has led to dry conditions in coastal areas.

The campfire ban will be in effect until the same date unless rescinded by the B.C. Wildfire Service; the Haida Gwaii Forest District is exempt from the ban.

All private lands, B.C. parks, and Crown lands are affected by the ban. Where fire bans have been put in place by local governments with fire departments, those bylaws will be in effect instead, but the B.C. Wildfire Service asks that people check local bylaws to ensure correct compliance.

Banned along with campfires and category 2 and 3 open fires are sky lanterns, fireworks, binary exploding targets, and air curtain burners.