Cooler temperatures and increased precipitation has further reduced fire risk. Now, the Coastal Fire Centre has lifted the ban on backyard burning and registered larger scale fires.
However, the centre does not have jurisdiction within the City of Powell River’s boundaries, as the city has its own fire prevention bylaws.
The city prohibits backyard burning outside the months of April and November, said Trish Greenwood, public educator for Powell River Fire Rescue. Burning permits can be purchased at city hall on Duncan street.
“There is no recreational wood burning permitted at any time,” added Greenwood, “but residents can use portable propane fire pits.”
Campfires within the city are only allowed within the Willingdon Beach campsite and they have to be located inside established fire rings, not on the beach, she said.
This summer’s campfire prohibition within the Coastal Fire Centre was lifted Friday, August 28 while the ban on Category 2 and 3 open fires was lifted Thursday, September 3.
Category 2 fires are small backyard burning piles. Category 3 fires are those which have material piled more that two metres in height and three meters in width, stubble or grass over more than 2,000 square metres or more than two piles of any size of material.
Anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registrations number by calling 1.888.797.1717 and comply with air-quality-control legislation.
Burn barrels, fireworks and tiki torches are permitted outside city limits. Anyone who lights a fire must also have a hand tool, such as a shovel or at least eight litres of water, to put the fire out. All fires must be fully extinguished and cold before they can be left.
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