September 27, 2023

A handy reminder about campfires

September 26, 2023

Campfire and Open Fire Prohibition lifting

The (Category 1) campfire prohibition and the Category 2 and Category 3 open fire prohibition will be lifted in the Coastal Fire Centre starting at 12:00 noon, Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), on Wednesday, September 27, 2022. This means that all open burning will once again be permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

Other activities which were previously banned, but will now be permitted include:

   • The use of tiki and similar kinds of torches
   • The use of chimineas
   • The use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating
   • Fireworks, including firecrackers
   • Sky Lanterns
   • Binary Exploding Targets
   • Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description
   • Air Curtain Burners

Regarding Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, this change will allow the following activities:

"category 2 open fire" which means an open fire, other than a campfire, that

   1. burns material in one pile not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width,
   2. burns material concurrently in 2 piles each not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width.

YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE FOR A CAMPFIRE PERMIT OR A YARD WASTE PERMIT. Go to the Permits page for a fire permit.
NO GARBAGE BURNING.
Category 3 Fires require both a TIVFD inspection pre-ignition and a Provincial R Number in place.
CHECK THE VENTING INDEX PRIOR TO LIGHTING YOUR YARD WASTE PILE. FIRE SMOKE IS A HEALTH HAZARD. LET’S ALL KEEP OUR NEIGHBOURS HEALTHY.

May 30, 2023

Air Quality bulletin

Air Quality bulletin from Environment Canada, the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (https://alertable.ca/#/incidents/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.124.1368489616.2023), issued May 30, 2023 at 11:08 AM

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour. Wildfire smoke is a natural part of our environment but it is important to be mindful that exposure to smoke may affect your health. Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.

For more information on current air quality, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Instructions:
• Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell.
• Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.
• Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms.
• People respond differently to smoke.
• Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
• Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.
• If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly.
• You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner.
• Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.