A total fire ban is about to go into effect for all of southern and central B.C. and it’s expected to last well into October.
Kicking in at noon on Thursday, July 6, the ban covers almost all of the Coastal Fire Centre region, which encompasses Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the areas west of Manning Park and south of Tweedsmuir Park.
Two areas on the south coast will be exempted from the ban: Haida Gwaii and the “Fog Zone,” a strip of land that stretches along the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The ban includes campfires, tiki torches, fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description. Gas, propane and briquette cooking stoves are permitted.
The ban is expected to remain in place until Oct. 21 and covers all B.C. Parks, Crown lands and private lands within the Coastal Fire Centre, outside of Haida Gwaii and the Fog Zone.
The move comes as a result of increasing temperatures and no rain in the forecast.
The fines for burning during a fire ban range between $1,150 and $10,000. If convicted in court, a guilty party can be fined up to $100,000 or sentenced to one year in jail. Those found to cause or contribute to a wildfire can be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
From the period ranging between April 1 and June 27, the BC Wildfire Service dealt with 237 wildfires across the province, of which 165 were caused by people.
Campfires are not permitted in Vancouver’s parks and beaches and carry fines between $50 and $2,000, depending on the location and severity of the fire.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone. To report suspicious activities, environmental damage or a natural resource violation, call 1-877-952-7277 or *7277 on a cell phone.
Up-to-date fire regulations and info can be found online at bcwildfire.ca.
@JohnKurucz
