2025-05-14 – By Order of Clearwater Fire Chief Mike Smith
In alignment with BC Wildfire Service – Kamloops Fire Centre, Effective 12:00 PM (noon) on May 16, 2025, Category 3 open fires will be prohibited within the boundaries of the District of Clearwater. This seasonal ban is issued to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and will remain in effect until 12:00 PM on October 17, 2025, or until otherwise lifted.
What This Means for Residents and Property Owners
As of May 16, the following open burning activities are not permitted anywhere within the District:
-
Burning three or more piles of material at once (each pile no larger than 2m high and 3m wide)
-
Burning any pile larger than 2m high or 3m wide
-
Burning windrows (long piles of debris)
-
Burning grass or stubble over areas larger than 0.2 hectares (approx. 0.5 acres)
If you’re planning a burn that meets the above criteria, it must be fully extinguished by noon on May 16.
For clarity on what constitutes a Category 3 fire, you can view the official Category 3 Open Fire Poster (PDF): category-3-open-fire-poster
What is Still Allowed (As of This Notice)
-
Campfires (Category 1): Fires no larger than 0.5m high by 0.5m wide
-
Category 2 burns: Up to two piles of moderate size or a single burn barrel
(These are still permitted at this time, but may be restricted later depending on fire risk)
Always check the District’s website or BC Wildfire Service for updates before burning.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Burning during a prohibition can result in:
-
Fines starting at $1,150
-
Administrative penalties up to $10,000
-
Court fines up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment
-
Liability for all firefighting and suppression costs if your fire causes a wildfire
Report Wildfire Concerns
To report a wildfire:
-
Call 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free)
-
Or dial *5555 from your cell phone
- Call 911 for Fires or to report unauthorized burning in the District of Clearwater