Campfires

A reminder about campfires from the BC Wildfire Management Branch:

Photo https://flic.kr/p/a6LxKd

Although large-scale open burning is now prohibited in many regions of the province, small and
contained campfires are currently permitted in all six of B.C.'s fire centres. Detailed information
about burning restrictions in B.C. are available on the Wildfire Management Branch website here.

Here's some important information about campfire use:

- Always find out if any burning prohibitions are in effect. Check the Wildfire Management
Branch website at: www.bcwildfire.ca
- If campfires are allowed in your area, bring a shovel or keep at least eight litres of water
nearby to properly extinguish your campfire.
- Campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter.
- Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change
quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
- You must maintain a one-metre fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area
where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Make sure that the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the
touch before leaving the area for any length of time. Also ensure that cigarette butts are
properly extinguished and are not tossed away carelessly.
- You may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if your negligence
results in a wildfire.

So far this season, the Wildfire Management Branch has responded to over 300 wildfires, the
vast majority of which were caused by people. Every human-caused fire is preventable.

This time of year, before wildfire risks increase significantly throughout the province, is an ideal
time for individual homeowners and communities to take simple steps to reduce the potential
impacts of wildfire. Be proactive, be practical and be FireSmart. More information about fire
prevention and the FireSmart program can be found online here.