S'mores are coming back to the weekend camping menu, with the Coastal Fire Centre again allowing campfires beginning Tuesday. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fire safety

Campfire ban being lifted across entire Coastal Fire Centre

Sep 19, 2022 | 9:43 AM

NANAIMO — The Coastal Fire Centre is lifting the total campfire ban currently in effect.

Beginning at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 20, all campfires will be allowed once more in the entire fire zone, including Vancouver Island.

It comes a few weeks after campfires were once again permitted in northern sections of the Coastal Fire Centre, which extends to Haida Gwaii.

“Although the fire danger has declined in the Coastal Fire Centre due to recent rainfall and cooler, more seasonal temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire,” a notice from the Centre read.

Campfires are defined as being no bigger than a half metre by half metre.

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Tiki torches and outdoor stoves are among the other items which will also be permitted while larger open burns remain prohibited.

Spotty rain in the region has improved the forest fire situation in the backcountry somewhat, however fires still burn in the northern sections of Vancouver Island.

The Heber River fire west of Campbell River is being monitored by crews and has burned 31 hectares of land.

Both the Wolf River and Golden Hinde fires, west of Courtenay have burned 145 and 186 hectares respectively but are either just being monitored, or are under a modified response.

All three are listed as out of control and were started by lightning.

The fire danger rating for the Island remains at high for much of Vancouver Island, with pockets of extreme around the Campbell River and Nanaimo areas.

To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

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