Effective at 12 noon on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, backyard burning will be permitted within parts of the Coastal Fire Centre due to a decreased risk of wildfire.

Subject to any local government bylaws, Category 2 open fires and burn barrels will be permitted within the Strathcona, Mount Waddington, Central Coast and Skeena-Queen Charlotte regional districts. These areas cover the northern portion of Vancouver Island, the north central coast and Haida Gwaii. These types of open fires are also permitted within the two-kilometre fog zone along western Vancouver Island within the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

A Category 2 and burn barrel ban remains in effect for all other areas of the Coastal Fire Centre, including mid- and southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland until Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.

The limited lift of the Category 2 open fire applies to all BC Parks and Crown and private land, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have open fire bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with civic authorities for any restrictions before lighting a fire.

Category 2 open fires are any fires up to two metres high and three metres wide, including burn barrels, and that are not campfires. Category 2 open fires also include burning grass or stubble over an area less than 2,000 square metres.

The public is reminded to conduct any open fire burns safely, attend the fire at all times and ensure it is extinguished when they leave the area.

The Coastal Fire Centre is responsible for wildfire response for about 12.8 million hectares of land. Geographically, the centre covers all the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain range from the U.S./Canada border at Manning Park to Tweedsmuir Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, all of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Quick Facts:

• Since April 1, the Coastal Fire Centre has responded to over 1,000 incidents which resulted in 84 wildfires. Three of those were caused by lightning.
• To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellphone or toll-free to 1 800 663-5555.
• To view the current Coastal Fire Centre open fire prohibitions and maps, visit: http://bcwildfire.ca

Learn More:

• For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca
• You can also follow the latest wildfire news -
• On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Donna MacPherson or Marg Drysdale
Fire Information Officers
Coastal Fire Centre
250 951-4209