BREAKING NEWS A complete ban on open fires, including campfires, goes into effect for Powell River at noon, Saturday, June 27.
Officials from the Coastal Fire Centre issued notice of the ban Thursday, June 25 after Environment Canada’s extreme weather advisory that day, warning temperatures would spike up to the low 30° Celsius range over the weekend on the South Coast in the days leading up to Canada Day.
The campfire ban has been issued due to the increased risk of wildfires with the surrounding forests’ tinder dry conditions and is meant as a preventative safety measure against human-caused forest fires. It will remain in effect until the public is notified otherwise, officials said.
Since backyard burning is already prohibited within the boundaries of the City of Powell River, this ban applies to residents of Powell River Regional District as well as visitors to the provincial parks at Inland Lake and Saltery Bay and other private campgrounds throughout the region. Anyone found violating the ban could face a $345 fine, an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court a $100,000 fine and a year in prison.
The ban, however, does not prohibit use of gas or briquette barbecues or portable camping stoves, as long as the height of the flames is less than 15 centimetres (six inches).
To report a wildfire, readers can call 1.800.663.5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
