Complete fire ban
A complete ban on open fires, including campfires, went 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 of temperatures into the low 30° Celsius range.
With tinder dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfires the ban is meant as a preventative safety measure against human-caused forest fires. It will remain in effect until the public is notified otherwise.
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 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 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 should call 1.800.663.5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
Bottle drive
Powell River Scouts will be picking up bottles before Sunday, July 5, in an effort to raise funds to attend the Pacific Jamboree mid-July.
Anyone with bottles available for pickup can contact Tina Bevans 604.483.9634.
