Coastal Fire has placed some restrictions to open fires.
As of June 6, category two open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s Jurisdiction.
A category two open fire includes the burning of any material (piled or unpiled) smaller than two metres high and three metres wide, stubble or grass fires.
“People will know that as bonfire size,” said Coastal Fire representative Marg Drysdale. “Camp fires are allowed, but we are asking people to be cautious.”
The ban does not apply to campfires that are smaller than half a metre high by half a meter wide and it does not apply to stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes.
The ban also includes the use of fireworks, firecrackers, or burning barrels of any size and description, and it prohibits the use of binary exploding targets for rifle practice.
Coastal Fire says this is to help prevent human caused wildfires and protect public safety.
“It’s warming up,” said Drysdale. “We understand the rain is coming, but overall the fire danger rating is starting to climb.”
Anyone who uses an open fire when a prohibition is in place may be issued a ticket for $1,150 or if convicted in court face a $100,000 fine or one year in jail.
The Coastal Fire Centre covers all areas west of the the height land on the Coast Mountain Range, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.
- Hanna Petersen article
