Total Burn Ban now in effect from Noon 17 July 2014 for BC Coastal region
The following information has just been released by B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Coastal Fire Centre:

Effective at noon on July 17, 2014, all open burning (including campfires, Category 2 open fires and Category 3 open fires) will be prohibited in all areas of the Coastal Fire Centre (includes Howe Sound islands).

This step is being taken to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The fire danger rating is currently throughout most of the Coastal Fire Centre, with scattered pockets of extreme.

This prohibition will remain in place until October 15, 2014, or until the public is notified that it has been rescinded.

This prohibition applies to campfires and to open burning of any size or description, including fires with a burn registration number and industrial burning. The use of fireworks, burning barrels, tiki torches and sky lanterns is also not permitted.

The prohibition does not apply to CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, as long as the height of the flame is less than 15 centimeters.

This prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, including Keats and Gambier Islands.

With the current trend of warm and dry weather, as well as lightning-caused wildfires in the region, human-caused wildfires can divert critical resources and crews needed to fight naturally occurring wildfires.

Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

*Stu Watson, **on behalf of*
*SW GAMBIER FIRE EQUIPMENT GROUP*
398 Dulcie Rd
Gambier Harbour
Gambier Island, BC, V0N 1V0
Tel: (604) 886-7901

Website: http://www.gambierisland.org/Fire%20Protection.htm