Maple Ridge, B.C., July 15, 2026 – Following an announcement by the Coastal Fire Centre, Maple Ridge Fire Rescue is expanding the current Category 2 and 3 fire bans to include Category 1 open fires effective Thursday, July 16 at noon.
The expanded ban is being put in place for public safety and to reduce wildfire risk in Maple Ridge as hot, dry conditions continue across the region.
A Category 1 Campfire is an open fire that both:
- burns material in one pile no larger than 0.5 metre in height and 0.5 metre in width, AND
- is lit, fueled or used
- by any person for a recreational purpose, or
- by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose.
The following activities are not permitted under current Category 2 and 3 prohibitions:
- Fireworks
- Sky Lanterns
- Binary Exploding Targets
- Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description
- Air Curtain Burners
- Tiki and similar kinds of torches
- Wood fired hot tubs, wood fired pizza ovens and other wood fired devices unless vented through a structure that has a flue and is incorporated in a building
- Controlled air incinerators
- Carbonizers
These bans do not apply to:
- CSA-rated or ULC-rated barbeques
- CSA–rated or ULC rated camping-type stoves or portable campfire devices using propane, natural gas or briquettes when used on private property
The fire ban will remain in place until lifted by the Fire Department. Anyone found contravening the fire ban will be liable for a fine of up to $1000.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire:
- Call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free
- Dial *5555 on a cell phone
- Report through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow updates from Environment and Climate Change Canada, BC Wildfire Service, the Coastal Fire Centre and the City of Maple Ridge as conditions change.
For more information on fire safety and restrictions, visit: