The term “wildfire season” is becoming too common with people.
It’s not a season like “camping season” or “boating season.”
It’s not something fun or something that people should get used to or accept. Our climate emergency is resulting in unseasonably warm and dry conditions in many parts of our province this spring that have resulted in higher fire danger ratings in some areas.
So we’re urging you to be responsible when it comes to getting out into the great outdoors. Some of the things we’re going to mention might seem obvious, but a lot of people aren’t paying attention.
For one thing, smokers need to get their act together and stop flicking their butts into any area that can catch fire.
It doesn't take much to spark a wildfire.
According to the provincial government, human-caused fires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert crucial firefighting resources away from naturally occurring wildfires.
From April 1 through June 26, 2019, the BC Wildfire Service responded to 405 wildfires throughout B.C. About 293 of those fires (or about 70 per cent) are believed to have been caused by people.
Seventy per cent!
Campfires are currently permitted throughout the province within the BC Wildfire Service's jurisdiction, but larger Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited in some areas to reduce wildfire risks and protect public safety. The use of fireworks is also prohibited in some regions.
Here are some basic campfire safety and fire precautions:
- Campfires must not be larger than 0.5 metres high or 0.5 metres wide.
- Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
- Maintain a fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Have a shovel or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish a campfire. Make sure that the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
Anyone who lights a campfire is legally responsible for making sure it does not escape. That person could be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if their negligence results in a wildfire. Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
Anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike on Crown land must have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle. Check the condition of the muffler, regularly clear build-ups of grass or other vegetation from hot spots, stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grass and weeds to help reduce wildfire risks.
So, you’ve been warned. We’ve shown you the things you need to remember.
It’s up to you to be responsible. You’re an adult. Act like one.
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