Coastal Fire Centre has issued a fire prohibition banning all Category 2 open fires and fireworks. Fire bans cover both public and private lands in the area, with violators fined up to $345.
Category 2, as Coastal Fire Centre representative Marg Drysdale explained, covers anything larger than a small campfire. This includes debris burning and any type of bonfire. The ban will remain in place until September 15.
To make the decision whether to issue a ban, the fire centre takes into account past history, current fire issues and, of course, the weather. “We’re going into the hot, dry weather, so we decided to extend the ban to the north part [of the coast],” said Drysdale. “Last week we had 16 fires caused by lightning.”
Though lightning starts a significant amount of blazes, Drysdale said what fire centre workers are really worried about is humans. In 2011, 68 per cent of wildfires in BC were caused by people. With an average of 2,000 wildfires a year in the province, that’s a hefty number.
“We’re always worried about campfires,” Drysdale explained. “They’re still allowed...but we really want people to realize that you don’t necessarily have to have a huge campfire if you have an efficient campfire.” A legal campfire, she continued, is half a metre by half a metre.
Drysdale said campers often just abandon their fires at the end of the weekend. “When there’s ash on top, it looks like it’s out, but it’s still burning underneath,” she explained. “A gust of wind can make it come back to life.”
The correct way to put out a fire is not to let it burn down, but instead pour water and sand on it, stirring it around until it’s cool to the touch, she continued. For this purpose, the law requires people keep a hand tool and at least eight litres of water close to the fire—with up to a $345 fine if they don’t.
Other tips for a better campfire include having a firebreak up to one metre around the fire, keeping the fire far away from other flammable materials and never leaving the fire unattended.
“We just want people to be very aware of what they’re doing,” Drysdale concluded. “If you light a fire, you are responsible for it.” And when irresponsibility can costs hundreds of dollars, it’s best to take note.
