Conditions in the woods remain tinder dry despite recent rainfall in Powell River and that has officials reminding the public that fires are still banned.
An open fire ban including Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky Corridor and the Sunshine Coast went into effect on Thursday, July 6, and will remain until October.
The ban applies to Crown and private land not covered by City of Powell River, Savary Island and Texada Island open burning bylaws. It also covers Powell River Regional District campgrounds, backcountry forestry recreations sites and provincial parks.
Regional district manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms said light rain after extended periods of dry weather may give the public the impression it is safer to light campfires, but the province’s fire ban on the coast is still in place and the danger of errant sparks starting a larger blaze is still high.
“It's not time to burn anymore,” said Thoms. “If people aren't taking it seriously they should be ready for a big fine.”
Violators face provincial fines ranging from $1,150 to $10,000 and a year in jail. They may also be held liable for all firefighting and associated costs if their campfire or other burning contributes to a wildfire.
Thoms and Powell River Fire Rescue deputy chief Rocky Swanson said fire departments have been vigilant during this period of higher risk and crews have been responding to reports of backyard burning and beach fires.
“We're trying to get the word out that there's no wood burning of any kind permitted, period,” said Swanson.
Coastal Fire Centre fire information officer Marg Drysdale said that between Saturday, July 15, and Monday, July 17, more than 50 illegal campfires were reported to the fire centre from locations on BC’s south coast.
Illegal fires have been an ongoing issue, so officials will be stepping up enforcement throughout the fire centre’s region, which includes Powell River, said Drysdale.
“If people are caught with a fire,” said Drysdale, “they will likely be getting a ticket.”
Drysdale said a ticket for lighting, fuelling or using a fire against regulations carries a fine of $1,150 and that anyone sitting around the fire may also be fined.
Meanwhile, as the province extends its state of emergency due to nearly 190 wildfires burning in interior communities displacing more than 16,000 residents, cigarette smokers are also being reminded to watch their butts.
Those caught tossing lit cigarettes from a vehicle window, an offence under the BC Wildfire Act, face a $575 fine.
