Campfire prohibition lift for portion of Central Coast Regional District



PARKSVILLE—The campfire prohibition will be lifted in the portion of the Central Coast Regional District that falls within the North Island Central Coast Forest District (see map below) starting at 12:00 noon, Pacific Standard Time (PST), on Friday, September 2, 2022.

Other activities which were previously banned, but will now be permitted include:

  • The use of tiki and similar kinds of torches;
  • The use of chimineas; and
  • The use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating.

While campfires will be allowed in a portion of the North Island Central Coast Forest District, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, which include back yard burning, industrial burning, and the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages. These restrictions will remain in place until October 28, 2022, or until the order is rescinded.

Campfires and Category 2 and 3 burning remain prohibited throughout the rest of the Coastal Fire Centre. The campfire prohibition was not implemented in Haida Gwaii this year.

Although fire danger ratings have declined in a portion of the North Island Central Coast Forest District due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations. Before lighting any fire, check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.

For a map of Fire Centre boundaries, please visit: http://ow.ly/QwO550Kx1Ix

A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online: openburningregs_2022update.pdf

Reminders about campfires, where allowed:

  • A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide;
  • Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material;
  • Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil;
  • Never leave a fire unattended;
  • Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible fire use where permitted.

  • To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
  • Check with your local government or other jurisdictional authorities before lighting a fire of any size since they may have their own restrictions in place.
  • Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be 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.

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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Coastal Fire Centre
250-951-4209