Campfires, tiki torches and chimineas will be allowed once again on the Sunshine Coast as of noon, Wednesday, Aug. 28, just in time for the Labour Day long weekend.
BC Wildfire Service announced on Monday, while campfires will be allowed in the Coastal Fire Centre, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and air curtain burners. These restrictions will remain in place until Oct. 31, 2024, or until the order is rescinded.
Although the fire danger has declined in the Coastal Fire Centre due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, BC Wildfire Service is asking the public to use extreme caution with any campfire and to remember, it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations.
Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) fire chiefs are also asking for continued diligence, particularly with dry weather in the forecast should one be considering having a campfire.
Before lighting any fire, check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place. Learn more about the different open burning categories.
Reminders about campfires:
- 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. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
- Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) 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.
- Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible fire use where permitted.
- To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
- Check with your local government or other jurisdictional authorities before lighting a fire of any size since they may have their own restrictions in place.
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.
