Show some respect.
That’s something Roberts Creek Volunteer Fire Department chief Patrick Higgins says he’d like to see more of when it comes to people building beach fires.
He says at this time of the year, he and his crew go into what they refer to as “PR mode,” where they dedicate time speaking to people who have built fires in places they shouldn’t and with absolutely no thought about putting them out when they’re ready to leave.
Members of his department take the time to explain to people why it’s so important to choose a spot where they’ll have easy access to water, which definitely does not include up against logs and driftwood, and consider whether the wind will blow the smoke and /or embers onto neighbouring properties.
He and I both agree it’s really just a matter of common sense and, there it is again, having some “respect,” for other people and the environment.
Just last week, Higgins and some crew members were called to the beach at Roberts Creek because residents had complained to a group of youth that their fire was too close to their residence. So, the group moved down the beach, but didn’t bother to extinguish the first fire they had started.
That was until the crew members called them back and had them extinguish it using a bucket loaned to them by a local.
Higgins says buckets are an easy solution to both extinguishing fires and disposing of the garbage often left behind by the same people. I guess it should come as no surprise that the same people who don’t give a thought about where they’re going to light their fire or how they’re going to put it out, are often the same ones who leave behind cans, bottles and garbage for others to deal with.
It absolutely blows my mind when I see posts on Facebook about people dumping garbage, not just on beaches, but also in the woods or wherever, in one of the most beautiful places in Canada. But that’s a whole other column.
Higgins suggestion is for everyone heading to the beach to take along a bucket. Makes sense. You can not only carry your snacks and sunscreen to the beach, but also use it to put out your fire and carry your trash out with you. So easy and available almost anywhere on the Coast, especially the dollar stores.
He says they’ve been called out to extinguish fires that have been burning all night and by morning are still hot. Not just warm, but the embers are still too hot to touch. That’s the test, by the way, the fire has to be cool enough to put your hand on it before you can safely walk away.
You should also never build less than three metres (10 feet) from vegetation or under branches, especially this time of year. And, did you know failing to extinguish a fire comes with a $575 fine? And all it takes is for someone to report your licence plate to the RCMP to start the ball rolling.
Even worse, if your fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, you may be fined up to $1 million and/or sentenced to up to three years in jail, as well as be responsible for all firefighting and associated costs.
We all love a beach fire and it’s so easy to enjoy one with just a little thought. And, that’s called respect.
Here’s a little more information on what’s happening with fire bans on the Coast right now. Higgins says whether we move to a higher category depends on many things and we’re not there yet, but who knows what the summer will bring.
Open burning ban in effect
As of May 30, the BC Wildfire Service has prohibited most open burning activities across the Sunshine Coast to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.
Campfires are always prohibited in Gibsons.
Prohibited until Oct. 31 (or until rescinded) are Category 2 open fires, including:
- One pile of burning material (max 2m high x 3m wide)
- Two piles burning at once (each max 2m high x 3m wide)
- Burning stubble or grass over areas ≤ 0.2 hectares
Also prohibited under the Wildfire Act (Section 12)
- Fireworks
- Binary exploding targets
- Burn barrels or burn cages
- Controlled air incinerators
- Air curtain burners
- Carbonizers
Still allowed
- Category 1 campfires (max 0.5m high x 0.5m wide)
- Gas, propane or briquette stoves
If you light a campfire
- Clear flammable debris around it
- Have at least 8 litres of water or a hand tool nearby to extinguish it
- See the map below for the affected area.
- Here’s more information and a map of the effected areas.
Fines and sentences
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced for up to one year in jail.
If your fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, you may be fined up to $1 million and/or sentenced to up to three years in jail, as well as be responsible for all firefighting and associated costs.
You can find more information on the Wildfire Act and Regulation web page.
Report a wildfire
The Coastal Fire Centre covers all the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain Range from the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park, including Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.
To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone or report via the BC Wildfire Service App. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions and other related advisories, go to bcwildfire.ca.
