Due to a decreased fire risk, all open fires are once again permitted in the Coastal Fire Centre.
Burn barrels, tiki torches and fireworks will also be permitted.
Campfires must be no larger than half a metre wide by half a metre tall. Category two fires are fires that burn material in piles smaller than two metres high and three metres wide or stubble or grass over an area smaller than 2,00 square metres (0.2 ha, 0.49 acres).
Category three fires are fires that burn materials piled more than two metres high and three metres wide or stubble and grass over more than 2,00 square metres (0.2 ha, 0.49 acres). Three or more burn piles of any size also qualify as a category three fire.
Anyone lighting a category three fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717.
A person who lights a fire must have sufficient personnel, water and tools on hand to stop the fire from escaping and must comply with air quality control legislation. Never leave a fire unattended.
The rescinding of the open fire ban applies to B.C. parks, crown lands and private lands but not within the boundaries of a local government with its own fire prevention bylaws.
The city of Port Alberni is still banning any open burning beyond campfires until Oct. 15. For information specific to your region, contact your local fire department.
For information on the differences between campfires, category two and category three fires, click here.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll free or *5555 on your cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to http://www.bcwildfire.ca.
