By Angela Cowan/B次元官网网址 Staff

Since May, the only burning allowed in Langford has been campfires, but that hasnB次元官网网址檛 stopped sparks from flying all over town and keeping the fire department busy.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e had five bush fires so far (this summer), or more, and 23 bark mulch fires,B次元官网网址� said Deputy Fire Chief Kerry Zado.

Bark mulch fires commonly occur in garden areas and can flare up in both residential or commercial spots. A recent fire at BrownB次元官网网址檚 Social House took hold on a strip of garden between the pub and the roadway.

Medians filled with rain-starved flowers and tinder-dry bark mulch on the highways also pose a danger.

B次元官网网址淎 lot of (these fires) are on the Bear Mountain parkway,B次元官网网址� said Zado, B次元官网网址渁nd thatB次元官网网址檚 just mainly careless smoking.B次元官网网址�

Reiterating cigarette butt safety, he also emphasized that all open and yard burning is completely prohibited now and for the rest of the summer season.

Just two weeks ago firefighters responded to a bush fire that was threatening a handful of homes. They called in the forestry department for assistance.

A couple hours of rain isnB次元官网网址檛 enough to lower the fire risk, Zado said, and errant sparks can quickly turn disastrous.

Neighbouring municipality View Royal isnB次元官网网址檛 taking any chances. TheyB次元官网网址檝e had a 100-per-cent ban on all burning for 12 years.

As summer continues to heat up, a full fire ban is likely to take effect covering the South Island and residents are reminded to be vigilant about fire safety.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com