After a long and dry summer, residents in the Coastal Fire Centre will once again be allowed campfires, starting at noon on Sept. 27, 2023. (Nickrh/Dreamstime.com)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

flame on

Wet weather enough to ease all fire restrictions for Vancouver Island

Sep 26, 2023 | 1:55 PM

NANAIMO — It’s a sign the prolonged drought plaguing Vancouver Island for the better part of a year is starting to ease, as the Coastal Fire Centre announced all open fires will once again be permitted.

A Coastal Fire Centre news release stated as of noon on Wednesday, Sept. 27 all categories of campfire prohibition in place will be lifted after being in place for the entire summer.

This means campfires, the use of tiki torches, outdoor stoves, fireworks, sky lanterns and burning barrels among other forms of ignition will once again be granted.

Open fire burns in piles not exceeding a certain height and width, as well as stubble or grass will also be permitted, within certain sizes.

More information on all the lifting of fire bans can be found here.

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The BC Wildfire Service said recent rainfall and cooler temperatures prompted easing fire prohibitions.

That being said, people are asked to use caution with the use of any fire, and to ensure campfires are handled in a safe and responsible manner in accordance with local regulations.

The category two and three open fire bans came into effect on May 18, while the category one campfire ban was applied on July 7.

The recent rainfall has yet to make a dent in Vancouver Island’s drought rating, which as of 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, was still in the most severe category.

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