The Coastal Fire Centre says as of noon June 19, all types of open fires will again be allowed in the Fire Centre’s zone.
“This rescind is the result of recent rainfall that has reduced the wildfire risk in the region,” the Coastal Fire Centre said in the announcement.
Early on in the pandemic, the BC Wildfire Service put tight restrictions in place which prohibited everything but campfires, citing the need to protect air quality for public health and reduce the likelihood of crews having to be called out to fight human-caused fires.
“The public is asked to undertake open burning responsibly, and to follow guidance to ensure their burning is conducted in a safe manner,” the Coastal Fire Centre said. “While the BC Wildfire Service has developed protocols for staff to safely respond to wildfires and reduce the risk from COVID-19, we ask for the public’s assistance to reduce the likelihood of a forest fire.”
Municipal and other local government burning regulations take precedence over the Wildfire Service restrictions and people should check with local authorities before lighting any fire.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cell phone.
