As of noon on Wednesday June 21, campfires will be allowed in some areas of the Sunshine Coast. One exception is that open burning is restricted at all times within the Town of Gibsons.
As of noon on Wednesday, June 21, campfires will be allowed in some areas of the Sunshine Coast. One exception is that open burning is restricted at all times within the Town of Gibsons.
In a June 20 press release, the Sunshine Coast Regional District outlined that it would be following the province’s Coastal Fire Centre decision to lift the ban which was put in place effective June 8.
The release stated that despite the decision to allow small outdoor fires again “Fire Chiefs from Sunshine Coast fire departments in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour and Egmont are asking for extreme caution from our community should you be considering having a 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.”
The release details that a campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. Reminders included in the document are to never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions, as weather can change quickly, and wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
Other cautions listed are to maintain a fireguard, a fuel-free area where all flammable materials like grass, leaves, and kindling have been removed right down to the soil around a campfire, to never leave a fire unattended and to 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
Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited on the Coast, including bans on the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages. Those restrictions will remain in place until Oct. 31 unless rescinded sooner.
Details on different categories of open burning and applicable regulations can be viewed in the province’s Open Burning Regulations site and the public is encouraged to contact local fire departments for more information on restrictions and conditions.