A concerned resident, Paul Watt, has started a petition urging the District of Squamish to reconsider its stringent fire ban and permit backyard fire pits after significant rainfall. The current ban prohibits all backyard fires.
“I want our children to be able to roast marshmallows or hot dogs by a backyard fire pit, at least once in a while,” Watt says. “Under the new complete fire ban, they can’t ever have that pleasure. The District of Squamish has implemented a strict fire ban that extends from mid-spring through fall, regardless of rainfall. This isn’t reasonable, and there must be a better solution.”
Watts pointed out the inconsistency in the regulations, noting that provincial campgrounds and recreation sites nearby allow campfires, even though many of their fire pits are located within forested areas. “It also does not make sense that people at the provincial campgrounds and rec sites just down the road ARE allowed to have campfires now, and many of their fire pits are right in the actual forest!” he remarked.
The petition proposes a more flexible approach, such as a fire permit program or allowances for backyard fires during wet periods when the fire risk is low. “We propose implementing a more flexible fire permit program or allowing backyard fires during wet periods when the risk is low. Let’s find a balanced approach that ensures safety without completely eliminating the joy of backyard fires for families,” Watts suggested.
Residents are encouraged to sign the petition to push the District of Squamish towards adopting more reasonable regulations that balance safety with the enjoyment of backyard fires. “Sign this petition to urge the District of Squamish to reconsider their blanket ban and adopt more reasonable regulations for backyard fire pits!” Watt urged.
Peter Legere says
I signed the petition, then it asked for money. Who gets the money?
David J Lassmann says
The problem is that it is likely that one or more backyard fires will be done by irresponsible people. In an area with sparse vegetation that might not be dangerous, but in a forested neighbourhood? Would it be safe to follow BC Parks’ lead? Who will bear the responsibility if property damage ensues?
Glenn says
The current fire ban lacks common sense, drive from Vancouver to Squamish all the communities next door including Britannia beach have low fire hazards but if you go up the murin lake hill 200 feet suddenly you are in a EXTREME FIRE HAZARD ZONE!! Its almost like magic as Squamish must truly have a unique micro climate when the EXTREME HAZARD ends again when you leave to Alice Lake. So you can have a camp fire in Alice Lake but not Garibaldi Highlands we all know they are separated by less then 3 miles?
Ihor Zalubniak says
There is a fire permit system in place. Has been for years. Permits issued by Squamish Fire/Rescue.
The ban can be lifted at the discretion of DOS as advised by the Fire Chief.
Inconvenient isn’t the same as unreasonable. Fires outside DOS are the financial responsibility of BC government. Who is responsible for the cost of fires within DOS?