Campfires will soon be permitted in most areas of the Coastal Fire Centre, but not through Nanaimo or Oceanside in time for the long weekend. (Nickrh/Dreamstime.com)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FIRE BAN

Campfire ban lifted for portions of Coastal Fire Centre, remains for Nanaimo

Sep 2, 2021 | 1:44 PM

NANAIMO — Some recent rain along with a return to normal temperatures have allowed officials to rescind some restrictions heading into the final long weekend of the summer.

Effective Friday, Sept. 3 at 12 p.m., campfires will again be permitted in most areas of the Coastal Fire Centre, with the exception of the southern half of Vancouver Island encompassing Nanaimo and Oceanside.

“We are expecting a significant amount of rain this weekend starting on Saturday in most areas of the Coastal Fire Centre except for that South Island Forest District area,” Julia Caranci, fire information officer, told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She added the rain, combined with the current ‘build up index’, which measures the volume of combustable fuel in the forest, allow them to confidently rescind these restrictions.

“We’ve entered into a more fall like pattern where we’re having longer rights, more humidity, rain coming in and out, lower temperatures so overall we’re seeing those changes we need to see to lift that campfire ban.”

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Campfires are defined by being no bigger than a half metre by half metre and must be left cold to the touch when extinguished.

A province-wide campfire ban came into effect during the record heat wave in late June and early July.

Little rain and sweltering conditions through much of the summer ensured the bans remained.

A map showing where campfires are and are not allowed beginning Friday, Sept. 3. (Coastal Fire Centre)

Items such as tiki torches, outdoor stoves and other portable campfire equipment will also be permitted come Friday.

Category two and three open fires remain prohibited across the entire Coastal Fire Centre, including the use of fireworks, burn barrels and sky lanterns.

All restrictions are due to remain in place until Oct. 15, or sooner if they are lifted by BC Wildfire Service.

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