The BC Government is prohibiting most fire types ahead of the summer to limit human caused fires during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Needpix)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FIRE BANS

COVID-19 precaution sees most fires banned in Nanaimo, province

Apr 16, 2020 | 7:10 AM

NANAIMO — The Coastal Fire Centre, along with other fire districts across B.C. are implementing new fire regulations effective Thursday, April 16.

Beginning at noon, most fires will be banned in British Columbia in order to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires.

A wide range of fire types are included in the restrictions.

“It basically includes anything larger than a campfire which is a half metre by half metre or smaller in size,” Jody Lucius, fire information officer said. “It also prohibits fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description.”

The City of Nanaimo already prohibits open fires such as campfires, burn barrels and beach fires within city limits.

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Backyard debris fires are banned in the City of Nanaimo and most other mid island municipalities, while the practice is permitted in the rural areas within the Regional District of Nanaimo.

The provincial regulations are designed to free up resources during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as help those with respiratory issues.

“We want to make sure our firefighting crews are available to respond to the naturally caused wildfires that are somewhat inevitable during the fire season,” Lucius said. “We do know with a respiratory illness like COVID-19, there are direct impacts from smoke.”

As of Thursday, five active fires are burning in the Coastal Fire Centre and provincial crews have attended 41 fires in 2020 so far, 70 per cent of which have been person caused.

Last year, the Coastal Fire Centre was not forced to issue a campfire ban for the first time since 2012.

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