The campfire ban within the District of Squamish will be lifted this afternoon, as of noon.
“The current fire danger rating is low and is expected to remain so despite the hot, dry weather in the forecast,” Squamish Fire Rescue chief Aaron Foote said, in an emailed statement.
“Human-caused fires are preventable and divert resources from lightning-caused fires and other critical responses.
We appreciate community efforts on compliance this season that has significantly reduced the number of abandoned or unattended campfires within the District of Squamish.”
Campfires within the District of Squamish are only permitted with a residential campfire permit on private property. No campfires are permitted on public lands, including; parks, beaches, lakes, forested areas and trails within the District of Squamish boundary.
The District of Squamish encourages the public to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire.
“It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations,” reads a District press release.
The Coastal Fire Centre is also dropping its ban on campfires as of noon.
Category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited across the Coastal Fire Centre. This includes the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and air curtain burners.
These restrictions will remain in place until Oct. 31, 2024, or until the order is rescinded.
District reminders about campfires
- A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide;
- Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material;
- Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil;
- Never leave a fire unattended;
- Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
- Always practise safe, responsible fire use where permitted.
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.
