Northwest Campfire ban goes into effect Thursday

The hot and dry conditions of May and June have officials of the Northwest Fire Centre watching the forest regions across the Northwest for any signs of potential danger.

And as we move into July with conditions remaining quite dry around the region, as of tomorrow the Fire Centre will begin enforcement of a campfire and Open Fire ban for much of the Northwest.

The Open Fire ban goes into effect at the noon hour on Thursday and will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified.

The area of concern is virtually the entire Northwest Fire District, with Rainbow Summit serving as the north/south dividing line determining where the ban begins.

Included in the ban are campfires, industrial and backyard burning, the use of fireworks, firecrackers, tiki torches, sky lanterns, chimneas and burning barrels, as well as a range of portable stoves and outdoor cooking apparatus that are not CSA or ULC approved.

The prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but will not apply within the boundaries of a local government area that has forest-fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. 

Those visiting areas inland should check with local authorities in the region they are visiting to see if any local restrictions have been put in place.

Much of Northwest British Columbia will be under
an Open Fire and Campfire ban starting Thursday

You can review the full conditions of the Open fire ban from this advisory from the Northwest Fire Centre.

More background of Forest protection related notes from this year can be found here.