With camping season now in full swing in British Columbia and the East Kootenay, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) is asking folks to “do it responsibly and don’t get fined.”

MFLNRO compliance and enforcement officers, conservation officers and recreation officers are once again conducting patrols, ensuring people are following campfire safety regulations.

The new regulations, introduced last summer, state that campfires cannot be larger than .5 metres in height and .5 metres in diameter (approximately a foot-and-a-half by a foot-and-a-half) and a shovel or at least eight litres of water must be stored nearby to completely extinguish the fire. If a metal campfire ring is not available,  a fireguard must be built by scraping down to the dirt and clearing away potentially flammable debris, such as twigs, leaves and needles.

Failure to comply can result in a $345 fine; an additional $345 fine can be levied if a campfire is lit during a ban. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness can be fined up to $1 million or spend three years in prison and be held responsible for suppression costs, noted a ministry press release dated June 30.

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson:

“Campfires are still allowed in the province, but please remember that wildfires can start in an instant. As we move into the hotter, drier summer months, be extremely cautious with any source of flame, including cigarettes, candles and tiki torches, when camping, hiking or otherwise enjoying B.C.’s backcountry,” stated Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson.

Human-caused wildfires remain a serious concern in our heavily forested province.

According to the MFLNRO, since April 1, crews around the province have responded to 176 wildfires, of which 147 have been human-caused and 25 lightning-caused.

These fires have burned a total of 11,475 hectares.

During the Victoria Day long weekend there were 139 patrols in seven of the eight regions of the province. Five abandoned campfires were discovered and 12 tickets were issued by ministry compliance and enforcement officers.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire call *5555 on your cell or toll-free 1 800 663-5555.

Learn More:

• Check https://www.bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca/ for information on wildfires, area restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories.

e-KNOW

Article Share