The District of Squamish (DOS) has announced an impending campfire ban coming to the area.
According to a news release, the DOS will implement a campfire ban starting on May 16 at 12 p.m. due to warm, dry weather and other wildfires already happening around B.C. Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are also banned.
“With several wildfires burning throughout the province already in May, both provincial and municipal resources are already being utilized, and it’s important to consider this in our community safety planning,” said Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote in the release.
“Thank you for your cooperation to help keep our community safe in advance of the long, hot summer ahead.”
Already this year, a wildfire near Fort Nelson in recent days has grown to about 84 square kilometres with evacuations in place.
The DOS noted the campfire ban is coming ahead of a provincial ban and that permits will be suspended until the ban is rescinded.
“Community awareness and early reporting is key to being prepared in the event of a wildfire and we all have a responsibility to support this effort and follow the advice of local authorities,” said Mayor Armand Hurford in the release. “Thank you to our residents and visitors for your vigilance as we approach the summer season.”
Under these bans, the following types of fires or activities are prohibited:
- Campfires
- Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, which are large burn piles
- Fireworks
- Sky lanterns
- Binary exploding targets
- Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
- Air curtain burners
- Tiki torches
- Wood-burning saunas and hot tubs
Gas and propane cooking stoves are allowed as well as portable campfire devices that use liquid or gas fuel.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 911 if within the municipal boundaries or call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone. Check out current wildfire activity throughout B.C. on bcwildfire.ca.
Squamish is not the only area implementing a fire ban, as Whistler and Pemberton announced campfire bans on May 13.
