S'mores are back on the menu for the September long weekend, with a campfire ban lifted by the Coastal Fire Centre. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

flame on

Campfire ban being lifted for entire Coastal Fire Centre

Aug 26, 2024 | 3:17 PM

NANAIMO — Recent rains are allowing the Coastal Fire Centre to ease some seasonal restrictions.

Effective noon on Wednesday, Aug. 28, campfires measuring no more than a half metre by half metre will be allowed across the entire Coastal Fire Centre, including all of Vancouver Island.

The move comes after rainfall and cooler temperatures changed the landscape on the Island, as well as other parts of the Coastal Fire Centre, according to fire information officer Aydan Coray.

“There’s many factors taken into account when considering if we’re going to be taking off a prohibition, or putting one in place in the spring: current and forecasted weather conditions, the availability of firefighting resources as well as one of our factors called the ‘buildup index’.”

The “buildup index” looks mainly at available fuel on the landscape which could potentially burn, as well as some other factors.

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Campfires were banned for the summer in early July after a prolonged stretch with strong heat and lacking any substantial rainfall.

One notable fire sparked along the Nanaimo River in early August, however the situation was quickly handled by crews and the situation was deemed “under control” roughly 48 hours later.

However, the situation has changed considerably in recent weeks.

The Nanaimo region and areas just to the south are presently listed as a “low” fire danger rating, according to the province, while much of Vancouver Island is listed as “very low”.

The provincial fire danger ratings as of Monday, Aug. 26 show much of Vancouver Island as “very low” fire danger. (BC Wildfire Service)

Despite allowing campfires, as of Wednesday, other fire bans remain in place including larger open fires considered category two or three by the BC Wildfire Service.

“Those will remain prohibited until Oct. 31, or unless otherwise rescinded. Those prohibitions also include fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and air curtain burners as well.”

Coray said if anyone sees an unattended campfire or any other wildfire, they’re asked to contact the BC Wildfire Service at 1 800 663-5555.

Weather conditions over the September long weekend are forecast to be sunny, with daytime temperatures in the mid to high 20s.

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