The Fire Danger Rating is currently LOW.
The Fire Chief updates the Fire Danger Rating notice board in Snug Cove as conditions change.
Open burning is not permitted between April 15 and October 15. Absolutely no bonfires, burn barrels, burn cages or fireworks.
Questions? Contact Bowen Island Fire Rescue on 604-947-9324 or email fire@bimbc.ca.
Restrictions based on current Fire Danger rating
What the danger class ratings mean
Low: Fires may start easily and spread quickly but there will be minimal involvement of deeper fuel layers or larger fuels.
Moderate: Forest fuels are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting. Carry out any forest activities with caution.
High: Forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Extreme caution must be used in any forest activities. Open burning and industrial activities may be restricted.
Extreme: Extremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk is very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts. General forest activities may be restricted, including open burning, industrial activities and campfires.
Use of BBQs in Public Spaces
BBQs are permitted in public spaces and on beaches when the fire danger rating is LOW or MODERATE and restricted to propane only during HIGH. BBQs must be 75 cm or 29.5 inches off the ground and must have Canadian Standards Association or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada rating.
Campfires around Mannion Bay are prohibited year-round
The Use of Public Beaches and Water Areas Bylaw prohibits fires of any kind year round on the beaches around Mannion Bay, specifically Sandy Beach.
Campfire regulations
A campfire is defined as an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 m in height and 0.5 m in width and is used by a person for recreational purposes (e.g. cooking or warmth).
Campfires as defined below by the Wildfire Regulation definitions are allowed as long as only dry wood is burned.
No leaves, wet wood or green waste permitted as these will cause large amounts of smoke.
Always have dousing equipment at hand, and extinguish campfire completely when finished.
You must build a fire guard around your campfire.
Campfire – An open fire that meets both of the following requirements (as defined in the Wildfire Regulation (s.1):
(a) the open fire burns material in one pile no larger than 0.5 m in height and 0.5 m in width;
(b) the open fire is lit, fuelled or used
(i) by any person for a recreational purpose, or
(ii) by a first nation for a ceremonial purpose.
Related:
- Fire Safety
- Be wildfire ready: Wildfire Prevention for Your Home and Community