By Dan Marshall

Campfires will be allowed this long weekend

Jul 28, 2016 | 5:21 PM

NANAIMO — If you’re going camping this weekend, don’t forget the firewood.

That’s because campfires will be allowed this long weekend.

Marg Drysdale with the Coastal Fire Centre says we had a lot of rain through June and early July, which bodes well for the rest of the fire season.

“You can go ahead and have those campfires, just remember that you have to have the means to put those fire out,” said Drysdale. “There are no what’s called Category 2 open fires, they are prohibited.  So that’s anything that you would consider a bonfire, debris fire, anything bigger than a campfire.”

Drysdale says there are currently no fires of note on Vancouver Island, but she does urge extra caution if you’re traveling to the south island.

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“On the southern part of Vancouver Island it has been dry and continues to be dry.  They have not received the moisture that the rest of the Island has.  So we’re really concerned with people having campfires there.  If you’re going to have a campfire on the southern part of the Island please be very cautious with it.”

Drysdale isn’t seeing rain in the forecast, but you should take note if the wind picks up.

“We hope everyone has a great weekend but we really do want to remind you there is going to be some wind.  If you are in an area that’s windy it is your obligation to put the fire out.”

The fire danger rating for most of Vancouver Island is moderate, but there is a high rating for the south island.

To report a wildfire on your cell phone type *5555.