The Regional District of Nanaimo is closing a section of the Trans Canada Trail in the south of Nanaimo due to “high risk of fire,” effective immediately.
The 21-kilometre section of trail encompasses the trailhead at Timberlands Road by Haslam Creek suspension bridge, to the trailhead at Harewood Mines Road at the boundary between the RDN and City of Nanaimo.
A majority of the trail is on private forest land and “landowner Island Timberlands has advised that all company property in the mid-Island is being closed to recreational users due to increasing fire hazard,” the press release said.
In keeping with the recent B.C. Wildfire Service open burning ban in the Coastal Fire Centre, the RDN is also enacting a campfire ban with immediate effect at Descanso Bay Regional Park campground at Gabriola Island.
“Outside of the two designated RDN campgrounds, fires of any kind are always prohibited in RDN regional and community parks and trails. Use of … approved propane cooking stoves, barbecues and portable fire pits are still allowed at the campgrounds,” the press release said.
Smoking is also forbidden at this time in any RDN park or trail.
To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-555 or text *5555 on your cellphone.
