Summary of British Columbia Wildfire Service Updates

ExNews.net
Oct 7
2 min read

October 2025 - Provincial Situation Report Compilation (Updated Oct 6, 2025)

As British Columbia transitions from peak wildfire season to fall, the BC Wildfire Service reports a stable fire situation with 98 active wildfires across the province, none of which are currently designated as "wildfires of note."

Of these, 84 (86%) are under control, 12 (12%) are being held, and just 2 (2%) remain out of control, reflecting a significant slowdown in activity as conditions cool.

Meanwhile, the service is implementing strategic prescribed burns across the province to reduce future wildfire risks and restore ecosystems.

Prescribed Burns Planned (Oct 6, 2025)

Controlled burns to reduce fuel, restore ecosystems, and protect communities. All are weather-dependent, starting ~Oct 8, 2025, with potential smoke lingering. Health tips: Use air cleaners, limit outdoor activity, and see bccdc.ca for smoke protection.

Location	Area (Hectares)	Key Goals	Visible Smoke Areas
Harvey Lake Reservoir (Vernon)	40	Community protection, ecosystem restoration, fire behavior research	Lavington, Coldstream, Lumby, Vernon, Hwy 6
Seymour Arm (Salmon Arm)	54	Forest health, wildfire risk reduction	Seymour Arm & surroundings
Munro Project (Peachland)	40	Fuel reduction, mule deer habitat, Indigenous cultural values	Peachland, Summerland, Kelowna, Penticton, Hwys 97/97C

Area Restriction Rescissions (Lifted Public Access Bans)

Kiskatinaw River (Oct 2, Prince George): Lifted for a several-hundred-hectare fire; hazards like unstable trees and ash pits remain.
Silver Basin (Sep 23, Castlegar): 490 ha, south of Bugaboo Park; watch for falling trees, ash pits.
Kid Creek (Sep 23, Castlegar): 450 ha, near Creston; risks include unstable slopes, smoldering fires.
- Note: Areas remain active worksites with hazards (falling trees, ash pits, unstable terrain). Report smoke from unburned fuel via *5555 or app.

Fire Prohibition Updates

Category 1 (Campfires ≤0.5m x 0.5m): Allowed in Prince George, Cariboo, Kamloops, Coastal, Northwest (Sep 25–Oct 3).
Category 2 (≤2m x 3m piles): Allowed in Coastal, Northwest, parts of Prince George; check Ventilation Index.
Category 3 (Larger burns): Prohibited in Cariboo, Kamloops, parts of Coastal (until Oct 31); needs registration.
Banned: Fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels in restricted zones.
Penalties: Up to $1,150 ticket, $1M fine + jail if causing fire.
Check gov.bc.ca/fire-bans.