A total fire ban has gone into effect for all of southern and central BC, and it's expected to last into October.

The ban covers almost of all the Coastal Fire Centre region, which encompasses Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the area west of Manning Park and south of Tweedsmuir Park.

The 2 areas on the south coast that are exempt are Haida Gwaii and the 'Fog Zone', a strip of land that stretches along the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The ban includes campfires, tiki torches, fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description. Gas, propane and briquette cooking stoves are permitted.

The fines for burning during a fire ban range between $1,150 & $10,000. If convicted in court, a guilty party can be fined up to $100,000 or sentenced to one year in jail. Those found to cause or contribute to a wildfire can be ordered to  pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Campfires are not permitted in Vancouver's parks and beaches and carry fines between $50 and $2,000, depending on the location and severity of the fire.

Up to date fire regulations and info can be found at bcwildfire.ca