The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) says numerous illegal fires were discovered over the weekend during campfire ban patrols around the province.
In total, 19 violation tickets amounting to $21,850 in fines were issued, the service says.
“Planning a camping trip this summer? Before you head out, check the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) for the latest fire restrictions and prohibitions in your area,” the BCCOS said.
“Claiming you didn’t know about the campfire ban is not an acceptable excuse.”
Campfire bans and limitations are in place across much of the rest of the province.
A ban was put in place across B.C.’s south coast — including in the Lower Mainland, Sea-to-Sky corridor, Vancouver Island, the Central Coast, and Haida Gwaii — as of July 15. There are exceptions in some parts of the North Island and the Sunshine Coast.
The BC Wildfire Service says the move is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
As of July 28, 139 active wildfires are burning around the province, according to the BCWS. Of these, two of the largest wildfires of note — the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek blazes, burning at 7,400 and 18,000 hectares, respectively — are believed to have been caused by human activity.