A campfire ban went into effect at noon on Wednesday, July 18 for all areas within the Sunshine Coast Fire Protection Districts.
The ban includes all fires – whether for warmth, cooking or ceremonial purposes – and all beach fires. Fires in stoves or barbecues using gas or briquettes in a CSA-approved appliance are allowed.
Announcing the ban on all open burning July 17, the Coastal Fire Centre said the step was necessary due to high temperatures and no rain in the immediate forecast.
“Since April 1, 69 per cent of wildfires in the Coastal Fire Centre have been caused by people. Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable, and can divert critical firefighting resources away from naturally occurring wildfires,” BC Wildfire Service said in a release.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
For more information, contact your local fire department.
