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Fire danger high on south coast

Outdoor cooking and campfires permitted provided measures taken

Abnormally dry weather will persist for the next while so the Coastal Fire Centre is urging the public to continue to be cautious with any forest activity that could start wildfires, including campfires and equipment use.

The Coastal Fire Centre has responded to 234 wildfires since April 1, 100 of which were caused by lightning and 134 caused by people.

Current weather patterns will extend the “extreme” and “high” Fire Danger Ratings on southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

The fuels in the forest are very dry and warm; breezy days with no precipitation will not lower danger ratings in the foreseeable future.

The public is reminded that Category 2 fires and fireworks use are currently prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, except in the Skeena-Queen Charlotte, Mount Waddington and Central Coast regional districts. Check:

http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp regularly for the latest news on burning restrictions. For information on current fires of note in B.C., go to: www.bcwildfire.ca.

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

Local Sooke Fire Chief Steven Sorensen said the fire risk is,  “still extreme. Current weather pattern expected to continue for at least 10 more days. This therefore extends the burning ban.”

Local fire regulations permit outdoor cooking fires, provided the fire is contained in a device or fixture designed for such purpose and the fire is only burning clean dry wood or charcoal;

Outdoor fires in pits approved by the Fire Chief for use in designated campgrounds or tourist parks;

(d) outdoor fires in pits provided that the following conditions are adhered to:

(i) the fire is contained in a masonry or metal pit not to exceed .60 metres (24 inches) in diameter

(ii) the fire pit is located a minimum of 6 metres (20 feet) from all property lines and buildings and 3 metres (10 feet) from all grass, shrubbery, wood or other combustible material;

(iii) a garden hose or immediate source of water is readily available at all times the fire is lit; and

(iv) the fire is fully extinguished by 1:00 am.

Beginning Oct. 1, daily updates of local burning information can be obtained from the District Hotline at 250-642-1612.