Metchosin Fire Department responds to multiple small trail fires

The Metchosin Fire Department has been busy responding to numerous small fires on the trail system off Neild Road, just north of the municipality. 

The fire department is now urging residents to adhere to the recent off-road vehicle prohibition put in place by the BC government, and to be cautious when engaging in any activity that could spark a fire. 

“While the exact causes of these fires have not been confirmed, potential human ignition sources include discarded cigarettes, improperly extinguished fires and hot or sparking equipment such as ATVs and dirt bikes,” said the department in a social media post. 

The Province put the off-road vehicle ban in place on all Crown land to avoid fire ignitions such as these in an effort to mitigate the current wildfire situation. 

The ban came into effect at noon on Monday, August 10th and aims to prevent unintentional wildfires. 

Until the ban is lifted, the operation of any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes on Crown land—land owned and managed by the provincial and federal governments—in the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction has been temporarily prohibited.

“Please respect these restrictions,” said the Metchosin Fire Department. 

“They are in place to reduce the risk of wildfire and protect our forests, communities and firefighters. With conditions remaining extremely dry, even a small ignition can quickly become a serious wildfire.”

The fire department is reminding residents and visitors to never discard cigarette butts or smoking materials on the ground, to not operate ATVs or dirt bikes where they are prohibited, to not have a fire unless it is specifically permitted, to call 911 if they see fire or smoke and to know the current restrictions before going into the backcountry.