Coastal Fire Centre Status Report
Overview
The Coastal Fire Centre continues to experience an active early fire season. So far this year in the Coastal Fire centre, we have had 48 fires, all of which are suspected to be human-caused. Of those, 27 were located on Vancouver Island. Last year on this date, we had responded to 6 fires. However, last year we received significant precipitation in May and June. This May has been significantly dryer than average.
There are currently 7 fires burning in the Coastal Fire Centre and all are suspected to be human-caused.
The Coastal Fire Centre enacted a Category 2/3 prohibition on May 18, 2023 - this prohibition covers the entire centre's jurisdiction, with the exception of Haida Gwaii. The prohibition will remain in place until October 31, or until the order is rescinded. For details click here.
While there are no immediate plans to implement a campfire prohibition, indices are being monitored daily. If and when the indices reach a set threshold, that will be the time a prohibition is implemented.
While campfires are NOT prohibited in the Coastal Fire Centre at this time, we ask that residents always follow the guidelines below:
A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil.
Never leave a fire unattended, and ensure it remains in control within your fireguard.
Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
Before lighting any fire, residents within a local government jurisdiction must check in with their local government and observe any bylaws that are in place.
Please check www.bcwildfire.ca for the most up to date information on open burning bans and current wildfires within the Coastal Fire Centre.
Fire Activity
Fires currently burning: 7
New fires last week: 12