Campfire prohibition will be lifted in all areas of the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes the qathet region, beginning noon, on September 20.
According to a media release from the fire centre, although the fire danger has declined in the region due to recent rainfall and cooler, more seasonal temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations, the release stated.
A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
Other activities which will now be permitted in the Coastal Fire Centre include: the use of tiki and similar kinds of torches; the use of chimineas; the use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating.
While campfires will be allowed in the district, category two and category three open fires remain prohibited, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages, the release stated. These restrictions will remain in place until October 28, or until the order is rescinded.
A poster explaining the different categories of open burning and applicable regulations is available at openburningregs_2022update.pdf.
The release stated that people should never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions, because weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible materials.
The release stipulated maintaining a fireguard around campfires. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, et cetera) have been removed right down to the soil.
Campfires should never be left unattended, according to the release.
Those lighting campfires should make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires, according to the release, and people should always practice safe, responsible fire use where permitted.
Those lighting fires are urged to check with their local government or other jurisdictional authorities before lighting a fire of any size, since they may have their own restrictions in place.
Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail, the release stated. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
To report a wildfire, call 1.800.663.5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
To learn more, check the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices. Information is available on Twitter at twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo, or on Facebook: facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo.
