How to be Fire Safe this Summer in BC

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

This Friday campfires will be banned in all BC Parks due to the dry conditions of forest timber. The ban includes most of Vancouver Island, except a two-kilometre stretch along the island’s outer coast, and spans the mainland from the Lower Mainland to the Coast Mountains [CBC News].

Whistler to Vancouver the long way: August 2009
Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

It should also be noted that the risk of forest fires exists not only in campgrounds and Provincial recreation areas, but in our local parks and backyards as well. It seems as though each summer there is a small fire in a hollowed out stump in Stanley Park due to a discarded cigarette butt or attempted camp fire.

Here’s how you can be fire safe locally and around the Province:

  • Mow your lawn and prune hanging trees regularly
  • Avoid accumulations of yard debris, junk, building materials and other combustible items around your property
  • Avoid having backyard bonfires during the hot summer months
  • Do not smoke and do not discard cigarette butts in parks (this ban is already in place at Lighthouse Park)
  • Only have BBQs in designated park areas or cleared areas of your patio or yard
  • Friday’s ban on the South Coast and Vancouver Island includes campfires, fireworks, tiki torches and burning barrels
  • If you see something smoking or smoldering in the forest, you can report it right away by calling *5555 (mobile) or 1-800-663-5555.

    Useful links:
    Current forest fire danger rating
    Current forest fires
    Recreation Sites and Trails BC
    BC Forest Fire Information – FireSafe BC

    Current Contests on Miss604
    *All contests are open to residents of Canada only, unless otherwise stated. Contest timelines are published on each individual post along with entry methods. Some contests may only be open to those 19 years of age and older. Winners are announced on the contest blog posts. Contest policy »

    1 Comment  —  Comments Are Closed

    1. Sunday Links – Outdoor Vancouver | Outdoor VancouverThursday, July 19th, 2012 — 9:26pm PDT

      […] contact me or get me on Twitter. Thanks for visiting!Campfire ban in effect for B.C. coastal regionHow to be Fire Safe this Summer in BCA nice review of the Seymour Valley Trailway5 Places to Sea Kayak Within 90 Minutes of […]

    Also on Miss604.com
    «
    »