Tuesday June 29, 2021 | VICTORIA, BC
by Jalen C Codrington | Island Social Trends
Campfires are set to be banned across the province as BC boils under record-breaking heat.
“Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province,” wrote the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) in a press release. “The B.C. government recognizes that people also enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire ban very seriously.”
Campfires are defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. The ban also encompasses fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, tiki torches, and any outdoor stove or fire apparatus without a CSA or ULC rating. Large open fires have been banned in BC since Friday June 25.
Anyone found in violation of the ban may face fines of up to $100,000, or one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the guilty party may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
“Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility, human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires,” said the BCWS.
In addition to the loss of forests and the significant financial impact of fighting forest-fires, there is also the health impact through smoke producing serious air quality issues and health impacts.
The ban will go into effect tomorrow, Wednesday June 30, at noon, and remain in effect until October 15, or until the order is rescinded.