Fire Safety

THE FIRE DANGER RATING IS NOW LOW

The coastal fire centre has lifted the campfire ban for the region.

Richard Carlson, Fire Chief.
Lasqueti Island Volunteer Fire Department

The campfire prohibition will be lifted in all regions of the Coastal Fire Centre area beginning 12:00 noon, Pacific Standard Time (PST), on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

Other activities which will now be permitted in the Coastal Fire Centre include:

  *   The use of tiki and similar kinds of torches; and
  *   The use of chimineas.

For detailed information, please refer to the map.<https://e1.envoke.com/ext/click/go/6b999f7751fa5e07001615ccfd6890c4/d9eb2032c06c17b9a7e66cced4994e2f/1de9531718a5ad68a966639fabd10f8e>

Although the fire danger has declined in the Coastal Fire Centre due to recent rainfall and cooler, more seasonal 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.

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 These restrictions will remain in place until October 31, 2024, or until the Order is rescinded.

To learn more about the different open burning categories, visit our website here<https://e1.envoke.com/ext/click/go/6b999f7751fa5e07001615ccfd6890c4/1aa2cf2f4ef4b75092266cced4996ff0/1de9531718a5ad68a966639fabd10f8e>.

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.

What the danger class ratings mean

Low: Fires may start easily and spread quickly but there will be minimal involvement of deeper fuel layers or larger fuels.

Moderate: Forest fuels are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting. Carry out any forest activities with caution.

High: Forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Extreme caution must be used in any forest activities. Open burning and industrial activities may be restricted.

Extreme: Extremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk is very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts. General forest activities may be restricted, including open burning, industrial activities and campfires.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation/fire-danger

The full details can be seen here
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/for-industry-commercial-operators/high-risk-activities

Denman fire has a good, plain language explanation. 

https://denmanfire.ca/outdoor-burning/fire-hazard-rating-explained/