All open fires permitted in Squamish from tomorrow

Effective noon on Thursday September 16, all open fires will again be permitted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes Squamish.

This decision is the result of recent rainfall that has reduced the wildfire risk in the region, along with the return of seasonal temperatures.

Campfires, Category 2 and 3 open fires, and Resource Management Burning will be permitted everywhere in the Coastal Fire Centre area.

This means the following activities are no longer restricted: the use of burning barrels and burning cages, the use of air curtain burners, the use of binary exploding targets, the use of sky lanterns, and the use of fireworks, including firecrackers.

However, anyone lighting a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888 797-1717.

A Category 3 open fire is a fire that burns material more than two metres high or three metres wide, stubble or grass of more than 2,000 square metres, or more than two piles of any size.

Anyone who lights a fire must comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation, and the public is being asked to undertake open burning responsibly and to follow guidance to ensure their burning is conducted in a safe manner.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cellphone.