CoFC Status Report for the week ending May 17, 2023

The Coast is currently experiencing an active fire season. A strong ridge moved into the region last Friday, bringing with it unseasonably warm, dry conditions that are expected to persist until this weekend. There are currently 8 fires burning in the Coastal Fire Centre: all are suspected to be human-caused.

 So far this year, 26 wildfires have been reported in the Coastal Fire Centre, all of which are suspected to be human-caused.

 The Coastal Fire Centre will be implementing a Category 2/3 prohibition for the entire fire centre's jurisdiction, except for Haida Gwaii, beginning Thursday, May 18 at 12 noon PDT.

 This step is being taken due to the fact that indices have reached the threshold required to enact a prohibition.

 While campfires are NOT prohibited in the Coastal Fire Centre at this time, we ask that residents always follow the following guidelines:

• 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.

• 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.