A campfire ban is in effect throughout the qathet region (as of August 4). A prohibition on category two and category three open fires, which includes backyard and industrial burning, was enacted by the Coastal Fire Centre on July 15.
The seven-day forecast at prpeak.com/weather shows daytime temperatures hovering in the mid-20s (Celsius), down considerably from the highs that went into the low 30s in recent weeks. But the somewhat cooler conditions are not enough to address the lack of rain and overall dryness in and around town due to higher than seasonal average temperatures.
As much as warm sunny days enhance camping activities that involve water, even with average temperatures dipping slightly this week, the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion still exist.
Campers (and anyone spending extended periods of time outdoors in general) must protect their skin from excessive exposure. Getting a daily dose of vitamin D is one thing, but putting on a hat or seeking out shade becomes necessary at some point or those benefits will eventually be negated by burning or heat exhaustion.
Luckily, there is more to camping than campfires, and more than one way to prepare a meal that won’t result in tickets, fines and penalties being imposed on anyone found in contravention of the ban. Possible jail time of one year is another deterrent and makes using gas, propane or briquettes a far more appealing alternative for cooking than over the traditional campfire.
Anyone who lights, fuels or uses an open fire when a fire prohibition is in place or fails to comply with an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be subject to a penalty of up to $100,000 and ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
With rising costs of everything due to inflation, camping, and most everything else, is expensive enough. No need to fuel the fire, so to speak, and take a hit to the pocketbook, or in the case of these fines, the bank account.
Camping can be as much about eating as it is about hiking, swimming or playing games. Based on the amount of food the average camper brings along, no one should go to bed hungry, but the way inflation is affecting food prices of late, campers might be cutting down on edible supplies.
Good idea, the savings can go toward fuel for the RV.
