Campfire ban lifts August 28 at noon

 From the Times Colonist

Rain and cooler weather bring end of campfire ban on Vancouver Island

Get ready to roast some hot dogs and marshmallows. 

The B.C. Wildfire Service said recent rains and cooler temperatures will allow it to lift the campfire ban on Vancouver Island as of noon on Wednesday. 

The ban had been in effect across the Coastal Fire Centre since July 12. 

Fire danger ratings across most of the Island are listed as very low, with some areas on the South Island listed as low. 

But there is a need for continued vigilance when it comes to campfires, the service said. 

“Although the fire danger has declined due to recent rainfall and cooler, more seasonal temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire,” the B.C. Wildfire Service said in a statement. 

A campfire is no larger than 50 centimetres high by 50 centimetres wide and can be be used for recreation or by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose. 

Category 2 and Category 3 open fires for burning brush, debris and other materials remain prohibited. 

The use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and air curtain burners are also banned. 

Those restrictions will remain in place until Oct. 31, or until the order is rescinded.