The Oak Bay Fire Department over the last week, dealing with numerous beach fires in different areas of the community.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e had one a day for the last nine days,B次元官网网址� said Oak Bay Fire Chief Dave Cockle, adding the nice weather attracts people to the beach both in the day and evenings, though evenings is when fires often take place.

He warned that even if the fire is put out on the surface, it can still continue burning underneath the sand. So far in the last few weeks, theyB次元官网网址檝e dealt with at least one beach fire every weekend.

B次元官网网址淲eatherB次元官网网址檚 good, and everybodyB次元官网网址檚 going down to the beach doing their thing, but we just want to reiterate that beach fires are not allowed in Oak Bay or any of the municipalities in Victoria,B次元官网网址� Cockle said. B次元官网网址淲ith the risk that it is now, if we get some wind up and it blows it on shore, it could be significantly dangerous.B次元官网网址�

Given the lack of rain and continued westerly winds sucking the moisture out, all South Island municipalities remain on guard with an extreme fire hazard rating.

B次元官网网址淚n Oak Bay, all of our parks, all of the grass is right down to yellow now, and our parks are extremely volatile.B次元官网网址�

Last week, a grass fire began in Anderson Hill Park, but was fortunately contained by residents and Oak Bay fire crews before it had a chance to expand.

Cockle said August will help as the dew point starts coming back (as days get shorter again and nights grow longer) which will help as far as bringing moisture back in the parks. Until that point though, he expects people to be responsible for their actions.

B次元官网网址淭he biggest message from us is that all residents and visitors to be very diligent when theyB次元官网网址檙e in the parks, understanding that the risk is very high there,B次元官网网址� he said, adding there is no smoking in the parks, and signs have been posted up to remind people as such.

With the next week looking even hotter and drier, Oak Bay Fire crews plan to patrol beaches in the evenings. While Cockle said the idea is to educate against beach fires, repeat offenders can under the local bylaw.

To report a potential fire risk, please call Oak Bay fire at 250-592-9121.