After a string of campfire related calls and requests for permits, Langford Fire Rescue is reminding residents about a province-wide fire ban.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e a little concerned people arenB次元官网网址檛 quite understanding the ban,B次元官网网址� said Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey.
After the CityB次元官网网址檚 bylaw officers discovered three campfires in one night and a handful of residents requested campfire permits, the local department decided to post a reminder on Facebook, which prompted a number of questions of residents.
B次元官网网址淲e just want everyone to remain vigilante,B次元官网网址� Aubrey said. Despite a few raindrops on Friday afternoon, he noted conditions are extremely dry and fires can spread very quickly. The recent fire on Sooke Road is a good reminder of just how quickly a small fire can get out of control.
B次元官网网址淲e hope that people adhere to the ban, itB次元官网网址檚 for everyoneB次元官网网址檚 safety,B次元官网网址� Aubrey said. B次元官网网址淚f it was safe to do so, we would.B次元官网网址�
The provincial ban applies to all campfires, category 2 and 3 open fires, and the use of tiki torches, fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size, wood burning outdoor stoves, and binary exploding targets.
The prohibition does not include CSA approved cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, and propane fire pits.
B次元官网网址淣ine times out of 10 it will be CSA approved,B次元官网网址� noted Aubrey of devices sold in store. In fact itB次元官网网址檚 the law. But, he added,B次元官网网址漺e do see a lot of homemade stuff out there.B次元官网网址�
Between July 15 and 17, in the Coastal Fire Centre region were reported to the B.C. Wildfire Services, according to a news release. That includes the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, sea-to-sky area and the Sunshine Coast.
The fine for ignoring a fire ban is $1,150. If convicted in court, an additional fine can be up to $100,000 and a sentence of one year in jail.
If the fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be subject to a penalty of up to $100,000 and ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Did you know?
A campfire is defined as a fire smaller than half a metre high by half a metre wide.
A category two fire is one or two concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide. This category also include stubble or grass burning over an area less than 0.2 hectares.
Category three fires are any fires larger than two metres high by three metres wide, three or more concurrently burning piles, one or more burning windrows and stubble or grass burning over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.
-With files from Ashley Wadhwani
