Just before the Victoria Day long weekend, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) released photos of an unattended beach fire, still smouldering and surrounded by trash.
“This is an excellent example of what not to do when it comes to having a beach fire,” the press release stated.
“As we kick off the May long weekend, SCRD fire chiefs are asking that you do pretty much the opposite of what was done in the beach fire featured above.”
Although campfires are allowed throughout the year unless banned by the local fire chief, the SCRD wants to remind the public to follow local bylaws that do not allow fires to be bigger than half a metre in height or width.
Fires should be built below the high tide mark, and at least five metres away from material that might catch fire. The fire must only be made of dry, seasoned wood and must be attended by a responsible person older than 16.
Any fire should be extinguished to eliminate risk before the site is left.
The SCRD is also asking the public to pick up after themselves. Trash should not be left behind.
The manager of protective services at the SCRD, Matt Treit, said in the release that the fire departments deal with extinguishing beach fires every year.
“All we are asking is that those who are using these fires follow our advice to keep our communities and other users of our beaches safe,” Treit said.
Current fire regulations can be seen at www.scrd.ca/fire_rescue.
