The campfire ban covering Vancouver Island has been lifted just in time for the Labour Day weekend.
The Coastal Fire Centre rescinded its fire restrictions at noon yesterday in light of cooler temperatures and rain in the short-term weather forecast. That means campfires, no larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide, are once again permitted in the region’s B.C. Parks, Crown lands and private lands, however, anyone who lights a campfire must have a shovel or at least eight litres of water on hand to fully extinguish it.
The city of Campbell River followed the province’s lead and lifted its own municipal campfire ban, effective yesterday afternoon. Within the city, campfires must be no larger than 60 centimetres (24 inches) wide and beach fires should be below the high tide line and away from other driftwood. Both recreational and beach fires must also be under the supervision of an adult with a bucket or hose nearby to ensure all fires all fully extinguished.
While recreational fires are allowed, the Coastal Fire Centre continues to ban small backyard burning piles as well as fireworks, sky lanterns and burning barrels of any size. Anyone found in violation of the burning restrictions may be fined up to $345 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.