As of June 23, category 2 and 3 open fires will be prohibited within B.C.’s Coastal Fire Centre, which includes Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the Gulf Islands.

Category two fires include open fires between a half-metre tall and a half-metre wide by two metres tall by three metres wide. In comparison, category three fires are considered anything more extensive than two metres tall by three metres wide.

Fireworks, burn barrels, sky lanterns and binary exploding targets are also prohibited under a category two fire ban.

The upcoming fire ban does not include campfires smaller than a half-metre tall and wide or cooking stoves that use propane, gas, or briquettes.

While small campfires are permitted, the Coastal Fire Centre reminds residents that a fireguard must surround campfires. As well, at least one person must have a hand tool capable of putting out the fire or at least eight litres of water to extinguish the flames.

If you spot a wildfire or someone breaking a fire ban, you can call the B.C. Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555.