Fire ban
With hot, dry weather in the forecast for this weekend and continuing on through next week, campfires have been banned again.
The first campfire ban this summer went into effect on Thursday, July 17, but was lifted on Wednesday, July 23 after several days of rain on the coast.
“This is the second strong drying period of the summer,” said Marg Drysdale, fire information officer for the Coastal Fire Centre. “Public assistance is needed to reduce the number of human-caused fires and enable crews to respond to naturally occurring wildfires.”
The second fire ban took effect at noon today, Friday, August 1.
Steve Thomson, minister responsible for forests, lands and natural resource operations, is urging caution and asking the public to follow the burning ban.
Nearly half of all wildfires are caused by human activity and can start from something as small as a carelessly discarded cigarette butt, he said. Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle users should ensure that they are using an approved spark arrestor and avoid parking on grass or at sites where the exhaust system is near combustible material, he added.
“If you’re out in the backcountry or visiting BC’s beautiful parks on the long weekend, it’s crucial that you adhere to any fire prohibitions in place,” said Thomson.
Campfires, as defined by the wildlife regulation, and open fires in an outdoor stove are now prohibited.
Tickets of up to $345 can be issued for anyone found in violation of the prohibition, or, if convicted in a court, a fine of up to $100,000 and sentence of one year in jail may be handed down.
The prohibitions and restrictions cover all BC parks, Crown lands and private lands but do not apply within boundaries of local governments with forest fire prevention bylaws and serviced by a fire department.
Coastal Fire Centre is administered through the ministry.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or non-compliant open burning, readers can call 1.800.663.5555 toll free or dial *5555 on a cell phone.
Call for help
An incident involving Powell River RCMP is under investigation.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) is asking for witnesses to an event which happened on Saturday, July 26, at Sea Fair.
At approximately 10:30 pm, police identified an adult male who they believed to be in breach of his court-ordered curfew and other conditions. The male was arrested and police escorted him toward their vehicle. However, the male fled the scene and ran toward the waterfront then proceeded over an embankment. Officers followed the male and located him on the beach. He was taken into custody.
On Sunday, July 27, after complaining of injuries, the male was taken to hospital where he received treatment for facial injuries.
As the incident on Saturday occurred in a public setting, the investigations office is asking witnesses to call the IIO information line at 1.855.446.8477.
Feast meets fest
Fans of the Open Air Farmers’ Market at Paradise Valley Exhibition Grounds are in for a treat. A Mid-Summer Night’s Feast is back, Monday, August 4, providing a chance to enjoy the space in a whole new light.
“Mid-Summer Night’s Feast is basically a community dinner,” said organizer and market manager Juhli Jobi. “It’s really a night of coming together as a community to eat and relax, and to come out to the market and experience it at a different time of day.”
Booths and activities will be open from 4:30 pm to dusk. Artists will also be in attendance. “We’re going to have lots of food vendors there,” added Jobi. “There will be live music as well.”
While many of the regular Saturday and Sunday market vendors have committed to attending, some new and unfamiliar faces will also be on hand. “We’ve got some people who just like to come for the special events,” explained Jobi.
“To help encourage sustainability we appreciate people bringing their own cups,” she continued. “If they can also bring a plate or a small bowl or cutlery or whatever they can manage we really encourage that.”
The feast is located at 4365 McLeod Road. For more information, readers may contact Jobi at 604.414.5076.
