This week's forecasted high temperatures has the fire danger rating on the rise from “moderate” to “extreme” leading the forest service taking preventative action by placing a fire ban through portions of the northwest effective at 4 p.m. today.
Prohibited will be campfires, open fires, tiki torches, fireworks and sky lanterns until Sept. 15, or otherwise notified.
With temperatures on the rise, forest service officials are predicting an increase in naturally-caused wildfires, so this fire ban will ensure that human-caused fires won't be adding to the problem.
The ban does not apply to cooking stoves using gas, propane or briquettes. Portable campfire apparatus that use briquettes, liquid, or gaseous fuel, marked with a CSA or ULC rating are also not included in the prohibition, so long as the flame does not exceed 15 cm.
The fire ban covers all B.C. Parks, Crown land and private lands however it does not apply within city limits that are serviced by a fire department, but the forest service recommends calling local authorities for restrictions before starting a fire.
Those caught breaking prohibition are subject to a fine up to $345. If convicted than the fines increase to $100,000 and a year in prison. And if the actions contribute to a wildfire, the person could be subject to a fine of $10,000 plus the bill for all firefighting costs.
To report a wildfire or an unattended campfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.