Campfire are once again permitted on the coast with cooler weather in the long term forecast resulting reduced wildfire risk.
Coastal Fire Centre lifted the fire prohibition at noon, Thursday, August 28.
Open fires in an outdoor stove and campfires, as defined by the province’s wildfire regulations are now allowed, said Marg Drysdale, fire information officer for the centre.
“Campfires cannot be larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide,” she added. “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 before leaving the area.
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.
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.
