CoFC Status Report for the week ending June 19, 2024

Overview

The Coastal Fire Centre has seen a shift towards warmer and drier conditions starting Wednesday, June 19. Fine fuels, like grass and leaf litter, can dry quickly under these conditions making them more susceptible to ignition. While category 1 campfires are not prohibited at this time it is important to exercise caution when engaging in any activity that could cause a wildfire.

In 2024, 33 wildfires have been reported in the Coastal Fire Centre, all of which are suspected to be human caused. On this same date last year, we had 62 fires reported in the Coastal Fire Centre. The 33 wildfires reported in the Coastal Fire Centre this year are slightly below the 10-year average of 44 fires.

On Friday, May 17, at 12 noon PDT, the Coastal Fire Centre enacted Category 2 and Category 3 prohibitions for the entire fire centre's jurisdiction. This includes backyard and industrial burning, along with other specific equipment and activities such as fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description, and air curtain burners.

The prohibition will remain in place until October 31, or until the order is rescinded. Read the full information bulletin for more details:

While there are no immediate plans to implement a campfire prohibition, indices and weather conditions are being monitored. If and when the indices reach a set threshold, that will be the time when a campfire prohibition is implemented. We ask that residents always follow the guidelines below:

• A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

• Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.

• Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil.

• Never leave a fire unattended, and ensure it remains in control within your fireguard.

• Make sure any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

• Before lighting any fire, check with the local government authorities (municipality, First Nations, etc.) and observe any bylaws in place for your location.

Please visit www.bcwildfire.ca for the most up to date information on open burning bans and current wildfires within the Coastal Fire Centre.