PARKSVILLE – Effective as of noon on October 6, 2022, the prohibition on Category 2 and Category 3 open fires is lifted for Haida Gwaii. Campfire prohibitions were previously lifted.
This rescind is the result of recent rainfall that has reduced the wildfire risk in the region, along with the return of seasonal temperatures. Please see the attached map: http://ow.ly/yw7G50L1tqU.
This rescind means that campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires and Resource Management open fire will be permitted on Haida Gwaii.
The following activities are no longer restricted on Haida Gwaii:
• the use of burning barrels and burning cages;
• the use of air curtain burners;
• the use of binary exploding targets;
• the use of sky lanterns;
• the use of fireworks, including firecrackers.
Anyone lighting a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. A Category 3 open fire is a fire that burns material more than two metres high or three metres wide, stubble or grass of more than 2,000 square metres, or more than two piles of any size.
Anyone who lights a fire must comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation. The BC Wildfire
Service urges people to take the following precautions with any permitted outdoor burning:
• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and stop it from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that the fire is fully extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
The public is asked to undertake open burning responsibly and to follow guidance to ensure their burning is conducted in a safe manner.
Local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place and people intending to light a fire should always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size.
The Coastal Fire Centre covers all of the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain Range from the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park, including Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.
We would like to thank the public for their continued support, diligence and cooperation throughout this challenging fire season.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca.
You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:
Twitter at https://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Media Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Coastal Fire Centre
250 951-4209
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect