Campfires may burn again
With cooler wet weather forecast for the next few days, Coastal Fire Centre lifted the campfire ban until hot weather returns after the weekend.
In a press release, Marg Drysdale, fire information officer, wildfire management branch for the centre, said effective noon Wednesday July 23, campfires were once again permitted throughout the centre’s jurisdiction. Campfires, as defined by the wildlife regulation and open fires in an outdoor stove are now allowed.
“Campfires cannot be larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide,” said Drysdale. “Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available to fully extinguish it.”
Campfires should never be left unattended, and ashes need to be completely cold to the touch.
Restrictions remain on small backyard burning piles, also described as Category 2 fires. Category 2 fires include the burning of any material in piles larger than a half-metre by a half-metre wide up to two metres tall by three metres wide; the burning of stubble or grass up to 0.2 hectares in size; and fireworks and burning barrels of any size and description.
Category 3 open fires continue to be restricted.
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 of forests, lands and natural resource operations.
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.
Shadow cabinet shuffle
Nicholas Simons, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast, has been given a new portfolio in the opposition shadow cabinet.
Simons moves from agriculture to critic for small business, arts and culture and coastal economic development.
New Democrat leader John Horgan announced an overhauled to his party’s list of legislature critics Wednesday, July 23.
Simons, an accomplished cellist, has a deep appreciation for the arts and has experience working in economic development with Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET).
“I have represented a constituency that is home to a many small locally-owned businesses new and old which help to finance programs that keep our communities and environment healthy,” said Simons. “Small businesses thrive where health and education are valued, and where a skilled workforce has the talents and time to participate in sport, leisure, civics, or the arts in their community.”
Sea Fair change
Anyone wishing to catch the air show by Westview Flying Club, should be at Willingdon Beach on Sunday.
Contrary to the advertised schedule, the promised air show over Willingdon Beach has changed from 4 pm Saturday to 4 pm Sunday, July 27. Wheels and Wings is still happening, as scheduled, after the parade on Saturday and until 4 pm at the airport. There will be an air show there on Saturday at 2 pm.
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