Effective Wednesday, August 17 at 12 p.m., Squamish Fire Rescue has issued a campfire ban within the District of Squamish boundaries. The escalating hot and dry conditions have raised the fire hazard, prompting the campfire ban to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. All open fires including campfires within the District of Squamish will now be prohibited. The high fire danger rating has also prompted restrictions on high risk activities within the District of Squamish.
These bans follow the lead from the Coastal Fire Centre who has implemented a campfire prohibition that covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands outside of areas covered by local fire prevention bylaw.
The following uses will not be allowed:
- Campfires, as defined by the wildfire regulation (burning of woody debris)
- Tiki torches
- The use of fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description
- The use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for rifle target practice)
This prohibition does not apply to CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, so long as the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres. The ban will remain in effect until further notice. Current campfire permits are suspended until further notice.
Under the high-risk activity restriction, high risk activities by any business, contractor, facility or their operations within the wildland interface (within 10 metres of an area where wildfire is possible) shall cease at 13:00 hours each day, and a fire watch must be maintained for a minimum of two hours after construction ceases. Examples of high risk activities are available at Squamish.ca.
“With the current dry conditions, a carelessly tossed cigarette, sparks from a chainsaw or a hot exhaust pipe coming into contact with grass all have the potential to start a wildfire, and so extra vigilance is required,” says Squamish Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Aaron Foote. “Quick action by the public ensures that emergency response teams can respond swiftly to take control of the situation.” The public should call 911 immediately if they spot grass or bush fires, or if there appears to be an abandoned campfire.
Please contact Squamish Fire Rescue at 604.898.9666 for further information. Call 911 to report fire. For the latest information on current wildfire activity throughout the province, visit http://www.bcwildfire.ca.
