Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services is reminding residents that a city-wide fire ban is now in effect following the provincial open fire prohibition issued by the BC Wildfire Service for the Coastal Fire Centre.
The ban applies to Category 1, 2 and 3 open fires and is in place to reduce wildfire risk and support public safety during warmer, drier conditions. The prohibition began on May 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until lifted by the Province or Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services.
During the ban, the following activities are not permitted in Port Coquitlam:
Campfires and open fires
Backyard burning
Agricultural burning
Fireworks and firecrackers
Sky lanterns
Binary exploding targets
Burn barrels or burn cages of any size
Air curtain burners
Wood-fired hot tubs, wood-fired pizza ovens and other wood-fired devices unless vented through a structure with a flue and incorporated into a building
Controlled air incinerators
Carbonizers
There is also no open-air burning allowed in Port Coquitlam parks, natural areas or backyards, including campfires, open fires, wood-burning barbecues, fire pits and similar appliances.
The following are permitted, unless otherwise restricted or posted:
CSA-rated or ULC-rated propane barbecues
Propane barbecues in most City parks, except at all-weather turf fields such as Gates Park or where temporary restrictions are posted
When the Fire Danger Rating reaches Extreme, a Barbecue Permit is required for use of any barbecues on City property. Permits can be applied for online at portcoquitlam.ca/bbqpermit. Applications must include contact information and details of the event and should be submitted at least three business days in advance.
Propane or natural gas heaters, fire pits and decorative fire tables are permitted outdoors on private property when used in accordance with the City’s Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw. They are not permitted in Port Coquitlam parks or natural areas.
Outdoor Burning Permits No Longer Valid
All previously issued outdoor burning permits are no longer valid while the fire ban is in effect. No outdoor burning is permitted, and no new applications for outdoor burning permits will be accepted during the ban.
Residents are encouraged to use alternative methods to dispose of yard waste, including curbside green waste collection or taking yard waste to the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre. Tipping fees may apply.
Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services and Bylaw Services will continue monitoring parks, trails and other areas at risk of fire throughout the season. Anyone not following City bylaws may face warnings or fines.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all Port Coquitlam parks, trails, streets and public outdoor spaces. Cigarette butts can smoulder for hours and start fires in dry grass, brush or forested areas. Under Port Coquitlam’s Smoking Control Bylaw, fines are $500 for open-air burning, littering cigarette butts or smoking in parks.
Residents and visitors are reminded to:
Never leave barbecues, gas heaters, fire tables or fire pits unattended while in use or while still hot
Keep barbecues, gas heaters, fire tables or fire pits away from fences, trees, buildings and other combustible materials
Avoid parking vehicles, motorbikes or gas-powered bicycles on or near dry grass
Safely dispose of smoking materials
Call 9-1-1 immediately if they see fire, smell smoke or spot signs of wildfire
Problems can also be reported 24/7 through portcoquitlam.ca/report, the free PoCo Sort & Report app at portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport, or by phone at 604.927.3111.
The current fire danger rating for Port Coquitlam is Moderate. Fire danger ratings are monitored regularly and may change throughout the season based on weather and regional conditions. The City will provide updates as conditions change, and residents are encouraged to visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire for the latest fire safety information and restrictions.
For more fire safety and prevention information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire. For current provincial fire restrictions, visit the BC Wildfire Service website.
###
