As the summer draws to a close, a sure sign that the season hasn’t been as warm and dry as usual comes with the news that the campfire ban in parts of BC is being lifted in late August.
The BC Wildfire Service announced Monday that the campfire ban for BC’s south coast, including Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, will be lifted as of noon this Wednesday, just in time for the Labour Day long weekend.
This decision follows a significant shift in weather conditions, with recent rainfall and cooler, more seasonal temperatures contributing to a decline in fire danger across the Coastal Fire Centre region.
“Although the fire danger has declined due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire,” the BC Wildfire Service noted in a bulletin.
The lifting of the ban means that campfires, as well as the use of tiki torches and chimineas, will once again be permitted.
However, there are still important restrictions in place: campfires must be no larger than half a metre high or wide, and the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, and similar items remains prohibited until at least October 31st, or until the order is rescinded.
For many, this change will be welcome news, especially for those who had resigned themselves to a fireless camping season. However, the BC Wildfire Service’s cautionary note serves as a reminder that, despite the improved conditions, the risk of wildfires is not entirely gone.
Indeed, while the recent rain has aided firefighting efforts across the province, a return to hotter and drier weather is expected in the coming days.
Fire danger ratings across most of Vancouver Island are currently listed as very low, with some areas on the South Island rated as low. This marks a significant improvement from earlier in the season when the campfire ban was first imposed on July 12.
As the Labour Day weekend approaches, British Columbians planning to enjoy a campfire are reminded to follow all safety guidelines to prevent any accidental wildfire.
