Salt Spring Island’s fire restrictions will not be following regional officials’ lead for now, according to the local district, saying it will be at least Oct. 1 before the ban on non-recreational burning will be lifted.
The Category 2 and Category 3 open fire prohibition within the Coastal Fire Centre (CFC) was indeed officially lifted at noon Wednesday, Sept. 18, meaning along with campfires – which had been allowed again since Aug. 28 – burning in barrels, cages or piles for reasons other than recreation are permitted within CFC boundaries –– but not within the Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District, which is choosing to keep the ban on all but campfires in place.
Fire danger rating for Salt Spring has alternated between “moderate” and “low” at different points in the last week, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).
“Although fire danger ratings have declined in the region due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire,” according to a notice from BCWS. “It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations.”
Local governments and improvement districts have the authority to put conditions and restrictions on burning within their boundaries; for the latest fire information visit saltspringfire.com.