Effective Friday, September 3 at noon, the campfire prohibition in the coastal fire centre region will be lifted in all regions of the jurisdictional area except for the South Island resource district area.
According to a media release from the coastal fire centre, the South Island resource district covers the southern third of Vancouver Island and extends from Victoria to Union Bay on the east coast (including Denman, Hornby, Lasqueti, Gabriola, Salt Spring, Pender and other smaller Gulf Islands), and from Victoria to Nootka Sound on the west coast. According to the release, the population centres include Victoria, Duncan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, and Qualicum on the east coast and Sooke, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet and Bamfield on the west coast. Category two and category three open fires, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages will continue to be prohibited within the district.
The release stated that although fire danger ratings have declined in much of the coastal fire centre region due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire.
“It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations,” the release stated. “Before lighting any fire, check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.”
While campfires will be allowed in the coastal fire centre (except for the South Island resource district), category two and category three open fires remain prohibited, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages. These restrictions will remain in place until October 15, 2021, or until the order is rescinded.
A poster explaining the different categories of open burning and applicable regulations is available online at gov.bc.ca/openfireregs.
The release stated a campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. Those considering campfires are advised to never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material, the release stated.
It is important to maintain a fireguard around campfires. A fireguard is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, et cetera) have been removed right down to the soil. Fires are not to be left unattended and those lighting campfires must 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.
The release stated that other activities will now be permitted throughout the coastal fire centre area, except for the South Island resource district: the use of tiki and similar kinds of torches; the use of chimineas; and the use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating.
The release stated that human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1.800.663.5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cell phone.
Those wanting to light a fire are urged to check with their local government or other jurisdictional authorities before lighting fire of any size, since they may have their own restrictions in place.
The release stated that 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. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
People can follow the latest wildfire news on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices, on Twitter at twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo, or on Facebook at facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo.
