The Fernie campfire ban will be lifted on Tuesday, September 1, as the BC Wildfire Service rescinds the Category 1 campfire prohibition across the Southeast Fire Centre.
Category 1 campfires will once again be permitted beginning on September 1 — 1 p.m. local time in Fernie, the Elk Valley, South Country and the Southeast Fire Centre.
The change applies throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, including the Rocky Mountain and Selkirk Natural Resource Districts.
BC Wildfire Service says recent precipitation, improved overnight recoveries and current and future weather forecasts have reduced the risk enough to allow campfires again.
Anyone lighting a campfire is responsible for doing so safely and in accordance with the Wildfire Regulation.
Campfires should not be lit in windy conditions. Anyone having a fire must establish a fuel break, never leave the fire unattended and ensure it is completely extinguished before leaving.
If a fire escapes beyond the established fuel break, immediate action must be taken to control it and report it.
The lifting of the prohibition also means the following will again be permitted:
• Sky lanterns
• Wood-fired hot tubs
• Wood-fired pizza ovens
•Other wood-fired devices, unless otherwise restricted
The BC Wildfire Service reminds residents and visitors that campfire prohibitions can be reinstated if wildfire conditions deteriorate.
Editor
