Fraser Valley/Victroria – Break out the smores and the weeenies, Just in time for the Labour Day Long Weekend.
Campfire prohibitions will be lifted across the Coastal Fire Centre starting Thursday (Sept. 3), as wildfire danger continues to decline following recent rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Effective at noon, Category 1 open-fire prohibitions, which include campfires, will be rescinded throughout the Coastal Fire Centre – which encompasses the Island and B.C.’s South Coast. Fire no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, used for recreational or ceremonial purposes, will be allowed.
At the same time, Category 2 and Category 3 open-fire prohibitions will also be lifted in the Haida Gwaii Forest District.
Category 2 fires include backyard burning, while Category 3 fires include larger industrial burning activities.
However, Category 2 and Category 3 fires will remain prohibited throughout the rest of the Coastal Fire Centre.
Some activities and equipment also remain prohibited, including binary exploding targets, fireworks, burn barrels or burn cages, controlled air incinerators, air curtain burners, and carbonizers.
The BC Wildfire Service said fire danger ratings have declined across much of the Coastal Fire Centre due to recent rainfall, shorter days, longer nights and cooler temperatures.
Despite the easing of restrictions, residents are being urged to continue exercising caution when using open fire.
Individuals are responsible for ensuring any burning is conducted safely and in accordance with provincial regulations.
BC Wildfire Service prohibitions apply to Crown land outside municipal boundaries. They also apply to certain lands within municipal boundaries, including parks, conservancies, recreation areas, recreation sites, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas and privately managed forest land.
Municipalities may have additional restrictions based on local conditions, and residents are advised to check with their local government before starting any activity that could spark a wildfire.
People who violate an open-burning prohibition can receive a $1,150 violation ticket. They may also face an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
Anyone whose actions cause or contribute to a wildfire may also be ordered to pay firefighting and associated costs.
Residents can check current fire prohibitions through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app or its online interactive map.
Wildfires, unattended campfires and open-burning violations can be reported by calling 1-800-663-5555, *5555 from a cellphone, or through the BC Wildfire Service public mobile app.
