Campfire bans remain in Boundary, Arrow, Kootenay Lake fire zones.
By Nelson Daily Staff
BC Wildfire Service said in a media release Friday, that rain and cooler temperatures have reduced the wildfire risk in most parts of the province allowing campfire bans in specific regions effective to be rescinded at noon (Pacific Time) on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018.
However, the lower part of the Southeast Fire Centre is going to need to wait as fires continue to raise havoc in the region.
Effective at Friday at noon the campfire prohibition will remain in effect in the Boundary, Cranbrook, Invermere, Arrow and Kootenay Lake fire zones.
Campfire ban has been rescinded in the Columbia Fire Zone. A map showing the affected areas is available online: http://ow.ly/9t1k30fiVpT
The province also rescinded the state of emergency declared on Aug. 15, 2018 and extended once. This past week, there was a significant reduction in the number of properties under evacuation order and many residents are now returning home. As such, the Province has decided that the powers granted under a provincial state of emergency are no longer required.
The following activities also remain prohibited within the Boundary, Arrow, Kootenay Lake, Invermere and Cranbrook Fire Zones:
- the use of tiki torches
- the use of chimineas
- the use of outdoor stoves and portable campfire apparatus that are not CSA-approved or ULC-approved, or if the flame is longer than 15 centimetres
The following activities remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre:
- Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation
- stubble or grass burning of any size
- the use of air curtain burners (forced-air burning systems)
- the use of sky lanterns
- the use of fireworks, including firecrackers
- the use of burn barrels or burning cages of any size or description
- the use of binary exploding targets (e.g., for target practice)
The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for continued support, vigilance and co-operation during this challenging fire season.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cellphone.
For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST, or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
