Forget about roasting marshmallows and hot dogs over an open fire.
The province has issued a campfire ban starting at noon Thursday for all of Vancouver Island to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
The ban covers the Coastal Fire District except for Haida Gwaii.
There have been 385 wildfires in B.C. so far this year, with 239 of them suspected to be caused by people.
Of the 78 that are still active, 32 have been determined to be caused by people.
The prohibitions apply to all public and private land within the Coastal Fire Centre jurisdiction and will be in place until Oct. 31, or until the order is rescinded.
The ban covers all types of fires except the use of outdoor stoves that use charcoal briquettes, liquid fuel or gaseous fuel with a flame less than 15 centimetres tall.
Anyone who lights a fire during the ban is subject to a $1,150 fine. If the person is convicted in court, the fines can be up to $100,000 and/or one year in jail.
If the campfire causes a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $100,000 and be required to pay for all firefighting costs.
