A comprehensive burn ban that went into effect across all of B.C.’s southern coast May 7 will go on record as both the earliest in history, according to officials, and likely the shortest.
Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue (SSIFR) Fire Chief Jamie Holmes confirmed the district would again follow the broader regional guidance on burning that came through the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), which late Tuesday, May 12 announced it would be lifting its restrictions on recreational campfires starting at noon Friday, May 15.
“We try and stay aligned with the province to avoid confusion,” said Holmes.
As of BCWS’s last update May 8, so far more than 5,100 acres have burned province-wide since April 1, with 41 fires burning 368 acres inside the Coastal Fire Centre region.
Other burning activities remain prohibited, including fireworks, burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description — and anyone who lights, fuels or uses an open fire when a fire prohibition is in place or fails to comply with an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be subject to a penalty of up to $100,000 and ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs, according to the Coastal Fire Centre.
“When a burn ban is in effect, people are mostly conscientious,” said SSIFR Deputy Chief Dale Lundy. “We’ve had a few minor incidents, and we try to give people the benefit of the doubt. But it’s just so dry right now.”
Lundy said complaints about prohibited burning ideally should come to the department’s non-emergency line 250-537-2531 rather than 911, although he added they’ll get the message passed along from emergency dispatchers.
“But you know what, if anyone sees smoke, let us know either way,” said Lundy, “and we’ll check it out.”
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit bcwildfire.ca and saltspringfire.com.