A ban on campfires will be back in place on the lower Sunshine Coast as of Thursday, June 29 at 12 noon.
This applies to all outdoor fires whether for warmth or cooking and all open beach fires. Also included in the ban is the use of burning barrels, fireworks, firecrackers and sky lanterns.
The full halt to outdoor burning will remain in place until Oct. 31 unless otherwise rescinded, a June 28 press release from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) stated. The release noted that the ban was being brought into force in accordance with the prohibition issued by the BC Wildfire Service and that the announcement was being made on behalf of the fire chiefs of Sunshine Coast fire departments in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour and Egmont.
The campfire prohibition does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or portable campfire devices that use briquettes, liquid, or gaseous fuel, provided they are CSA or ULC approved, and the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres.
“We ask that the public please take this prohibition seriously, and also request that anyone who operates guest accommodations let their visitors know about the campfire ban,” said Matt Treit, Sunshine Coast Regional District Manager of Protective Services. “Additionally, we urge people who smoke to not toss cigarette butts and to be sure that they are fully extinguished before placing them into a fire-safe receptacle.”
This is the second 2023 campfire ban announced by the SCRD. The first came into force on June 8 and was lifted on June 21.
Members of the public with questions about fire safety have been encouraged to contact their local fire department for more information at www.scrd.ca/fire-departments.
