With a sunny May long weekend on tap in many areas, the Forests Ministry is asking campers and others headed outdoors to use caution and help prevent human-caused fires.
All of the wildfires in the Coastal Fire Centre region since the fire season began April 1 are suspected to be human-caused, as is typical in the spring.
The ministry said 85 per cent of the 220 wildfires around the province since April 1 have been caused by people, but the chance of lightning-caused fires will increase as the weather heats up.
The Coastal Fire Centre region, which includes Vancouver Island, does not yet have a campfire ban but category two and three fires, which include backyard burning and fireworks, are prohibited, as they are in most of B.C.
Ignoring the ban can lead to a $1,150 violation ticket.
Coastal Fire Centre information officer Kimberly Kelly said campfires should be no more than half a metre high by half a metre wide, should be surrounded by a fire-guard and should never be left unattended.
Campfires should also be fully extinguished when no longer wanted, with the ashes cold to the touch, Kelly said.
The Coastal Fire Centre did not have a campfire ban in 2022 until Aug. 4.
Kelly said the public plays an important role in tracking wildfires, and people can download the free B.C. Wildfire Services app so they can report fires and post pictures for experts to see what the fire looks like. Reports can also be made using *5555 on cellphones.
“Certainly we would appreciate the public’s support,” Kelly said.
Vancouver Island had only one active wildfire heading into the long weekend, a one-hectare blaze about 15 kilometres northwest of Sayward that has been declared under control. It was reported to the Coastal Fire Centre Monday afternoon and is one of nine Island wildfires since April 1.
The fire is not close to any homes or other buildings.
