Category 2 Fire Ban Lifted Effective 12:00 Wednesday, September 18

With our recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the Coastal Fire Centre will rescinded the open fire ban for our jurisdiction, EFFECTIVE AT NOON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019. After which time, Category 2 fires will be permitted. This includes: one to two concurrently burning piles no larger than 2m high by 3m wide, stubble or grass burning over an area less than 2000 square metres, tiki torches, burn barrels, fireworks, sky lanterns, and binary exploding targets.

Campfire and Category 3 open fire restrictions were not implemented this summer, so with the lifting of this prohibition, there will be no open fire bans within the Coastal Fire Centre.

Anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. A Category 3 fire is a fire that burns material more than two metres high or three metres wide, stubble or grass of more than 2,000 square metres, or more than two piles of any size.

Anyone who lights a fire must comply with B.C.s air quality control legislation. www.bcairquality.ca/readings/ventilation-index.html 

The BC Wildfire Service urges people to take the following precautions with any permitted outdoor burning:
-Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and stop it from escaping.
-Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
-Create a fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
-Never leave a fire unattended.
-Make sure the fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving
the area for any length of time.

In some areas, the ground may still be dry fairly close to the surface. This may allow the fire to spread to the roots of nearby trees and other organic matter. Keep this in mind when creating and deciding to light your fires.

Please be safe with your fires. There are still risks that can be easily mitigated.

Fire Warden Ben