The forest fire season is here and the B.C. Forest Service is getting prepared.
Campfires have been banned for all areas within the Coastal Fire Centre. These bans went into effect as of midnight, June 24.
The campfire ban prohibits the use of open fires for cooking, warmth and ceremonial purposes. Fires contained in stoves using gas, propane or briquettes are still permitted. The campfire ban will remain in effect until there is a significant change in weather conditions.
The Coastal Fire Centre covers the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain range from the U.S./Canada border at Manning Park to Tweedsmuir Park in the north, the Lower Mainland, the Sunshine Coast, all of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
"Last weekend the Coast experienced an increase in fire activity due to the continuing hot and dry weather conditions and lightning," said fire information officer Starr Munro. "The campfire ban has been put in place to reduce human caused fire activity."
This new campfire ban is in addition to the previous category one through seven open burning restrictions already in effect on the Coast.
To date there have been 199 incidents, resulting in 79 wildfires and 143 hectares burned in the Coastal Fire Centre. The B.C. Forest Service reminds the public that the forest is tinder dry this season. Please use extreme caution with all activities that could spark a wildfire. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately to 1-800-663-5555 (*5555 on most cellular networks).
For more information about wildfire activity, bans and restrictions and details on how to FireSmart your home, visit www.for.gov.bc.ca/protect.
For more information on campfire bans in B.C. Parks, please visit http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks.
