An open fire ban is due to take effect Friday, July 15, however properly-sized campfires are still allowed for now. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SUMMER FIRE BAN

Open fire ban coming for entire Coastal Fire Centre area

Jul 13, 2022 | 9:04 AM

NANAIMO — A recent trend of warmer, dry conditions throughout the region has forced the hand of local fire officials.

The Coastal Fire Centre has announced a ban on all open fires, called category two or three fires, effective noon on Friday, July 15. Campfires though will remain permitted for now.

Category two and three fires include any open blazes other than campfires and includes burning material in a pile or ground debris over a certain area. Also banned Friday are fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, exploding targets and air curtain burners.

“It’s larger burns, so burns in one pile not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width, much larger than a campfire,” Jade Richardson, fire information officer, said. “Generally people will be doing this for brush clearing and things like that.”

The ban will remain in place until late October unless it is revised earlier. In typical years, most fire restrictions are removed through September, however decisions to allow certain fires depend on many factors.

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“Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a violation ticket,” Richardson added. “The ticket itself is $1,150 and there can be an administrative penalty of up to $10,000.”

A $100,000 fine and potential jail time is possible if the situation proceeds to court, while the person deemed responsible for the fire could be on the hook for any damages if the start results in a larger wildfire.

For now, campfires remain permitted for the Coastal Fire Centre.

“Anyone lighting a campfire must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable debris from around the campfire area and have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available nearby to properly extinguish the fire,” a release from the Coastal Fire Centre noted.

To report a wildfire, or any fire violations, contact the BC Wildfire Centre at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.

An infographic explaining the differences between campfires and other, larger fires which are set to be banned effective Friday, July 15. (BC Wildfire Service)

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