CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – It’s only May but conditions are already very summer-like.
Because of the sunny weather, more and more people are enjoying camp and beach fires. The City of Campbell River is reminding people to have a means of extinguishing a fire on hand.
According to a release from the city, Campbell River’s fire chief Thomas Doherty is emphasizing the importance of being safe after several reports of brush fires in Area D and Quadra Island, as well as a wildfire in Sayward.
“Following two years of record-breaking wildfire seasons in BC, and lower than normal rainfall this year, we urge residents to remain extra vigilant when it comes to fire safety,” Chief Doherty wrote in the release.
“Making sure your camping or beach fire are fully extinguished is one of the most important ways to prevent a runaway blaze.”
Here are a few ways to prepare and care for a recreational fire:
- Do not light a fire or keep it burning during windy conditions, as the wind may carry embers and spread the fire.
- Beach fires are not allowed in parks or properties that are not your own
- Always light fires below the high tide line
- Recreational fires must not be bigger than 24 inches (or 60 centimetres)
- Keep a fireguard: a fuel-free area where there are no flammable materials
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Be cautious when there are kids around the fire.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish the fire.
- Make sure the fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area.
The city currently allows recreational fires, but the Campbell River Fire Department may restrict or ban them during dry and hot conditions.
The city also reminds residents to always check local and provincial fire restrictions before lighting fires.
