Fire ban in effect for most Coastal areas

District of Sechelt fire protection area officials announced a campfire ban July 21. The use of fireworks, burning barrels, tiki torches and sky lanterns is also not permitted

Firemen are concerned about the dry conditions around B.C. and note how people should be aware of the real risks of wildfires occurring in our region.

“The province is burning, and we don’t want to be part of that problem,” Sechelt Assistant Fire Chief Trevor Pike asserted.

Also, effective at noon on July 17, 2014, all open burning (including campfires, Category 2 open fires and Category 3 open fires) will be prohibited in all areas of the Coastal Fire Centre except the “fog zone” and Haida Gwaii, a press release stated.

This step is being taken to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The fire danger rating is currently “high” throughout most of the Coastal Fire Centre, with scattered pockets of “extreme”, the report explained.

This prohibition will remain in place until October 15, 2014, or until the public is notified that it has been rescinded. A map of the areas affected by the prohibition is available online at: http://bit.ly/1yov78I

Submitted