Open fire prohibitions in the coastal fire region will be lifted as of noon on September 27.
According to a Coastal Fire Centre media release, the category one campfire ban prohibition and the category two and three open fire prohibitions will no longer be in force. This means that all open burning will once again be permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, the release stated.
Other activities which were previously banned, but will now be permitted 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; fireworks; sky lanterns; binary exploding targets; burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description; air curtain burners.
Regarding category two and three open fires, this change will allow the following activities.
A category two open fire means an open fire, other than a campfire, that: burns material in one pile not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; burns material concurrently in two piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; or, burns stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.
A category three open fire means an open fire that burns: material concurrently in three or more piles each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; material in one or more piles each exceeding two metres in height or three metres in width; one or more windrows; or, stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares.
The release stated that although fire danger ratings have declined in the 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. Before lighting any fire, check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place, the release stated.
A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions, the release stated. Weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
Maintain a fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, et cetera) have been removed right down to the soil.
Never leave a fire unattended.
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 human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible fire use where permitted, according to the release.
To report a wildfire, call 1.800.663.5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
The release urged people 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.
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