Maple Ridge lifts campfire ban; Category 2 and 3 fire ban remains

Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue Services lifted its citywide Category 1 campfire ban at noon on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The decision followed an updated wildfire-risk assessment from the Coastal Fire Centre that considered cooler temperatures and improved humidity across the region.

Category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited in most of the Coastal Fire Centre, including Maple Ridge, until the order is rescinded. The prohibition covers backyard burning, larger open fires, fireworks and firecrackers, binary exploding targets, burn barrels and burn cages of any size, and controlled air incinerators.

The City said its restrictions remain aligned with the Coastal Fire Centre to reduce wildfire risk and protect the community. Category 1 campfires are permitted only where outdoor burning is allowed under the City's Outdoor Burning Regulation Bylaw.

Campfires must be contained in a fire pit or permanent enclosure, measure no more than 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide, and be at least 15 metres from buildings, structures, overhead wires and forest edges. They must be attended at all times by an adult aged 19 or older, with a working hose and shovel available until the fire is fully extinguished. Campfires cannot be used in unsafe or windy conditions.

As residents prepare for the fall burning season and events, the City reminded the public that open-burning rules apply and that fireworks require a permit. Residents planning Category 2 or 3 open burns must obtain a valid permit. Open burning is allowed only in designated areas during the fall burning season, from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15, and the spring burning season, from April 15 to May 15.

Burning permits will go on sale Oct. 1, 2026, for $75. They will be available online at MapleRidge.ca/Burning or in person through Revenue Services at City Hall, 11995 Haney Place. Backyard burning is permitted only on properties within the City's Open to Burning area, during an approved burning season, and when weather, air quality and fire conditions allow. Permits are non-refundable and may be revoked without notice if conditions become unsafe or a fire ban is issued.

The sale of fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited in Maple Ridge, and neither may be set off without a permit. The City said they present serious safety risks to the community, pets and wildlife. Violators face fines of $500 to $1,000 and must surrender their fireworks.

Applications for special-event fireworks permits can be directed to the City's Fire Department at Fire@MapleRidge.ca or 604-463-5880. Reports of fireworks use or explosions can be made to Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue Services at fire@mapleridge.ca or 604-463-5880, or to Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety at bylaws@mapleridge.ca or 604-467-7305. More information is available at MapleRidge.ca/Fireworks.