Campfires are once again permitted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, which includes all of Vancouver Island.
The Coastal Fire Centre lifted its campfire ban Wednesday due to forecasted cool and rainy weather conditions.
Open fires in outdoor stoves are also permitted. Campfires cannot be larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide. Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available to fully extinguish it.
The information bulletin released by the fire centre noted that the long-term forecast, however, is for a return to hot and dry conditions after the weekend. The conditions will likely result in the reintroduction of a campfire ban prior to the August long weekend, the release stated.
Prohibitions implemented by the Coastal Fire Centre covers all B.C. parks, crown lands and private lands, but do not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department, like Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Although municipalities generally follow suit, people are encouraged to check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting any fires.
—News Staff