Just in time for the last long weekend of the summer, the campfire ban has been lifted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes the Sunshine Coast.
The ban was lifted as of noon Thursday, Aug. 28.
The ban was lifted due to cooler weather in the forecast, which will result in a decreased wildfire risk in the region.
The following activities are now allowed:
• Campfires, as defined by the Wildfire Regulation
• Open fires in an outdoor stove.
The public is reminded that campfires must not be larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide. Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available to fully extinguish it. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure that the ashes are completely cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
Small backyard burning piles (category two fires) remain prohibited within the Coastal Fire Centre.
Category two fires include:
• The burning of any material in a pile larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide,up to two metres high by three metres wide
• The burning of stubble or grass covering an area up to 0.2 hectares
• Fireworks, sky lanterns and burning barrels of any size and description category three open fires also remain prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction.
Anyone found in violation of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket of up to $345 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or non-compliant open burning, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, see www.bcwildfire.ca.
