Hot and dry conditions in the Southeast Fire Centre are expected to continue. The fire danger rating in the region is generally High to Extreme.
Category 2 and Category 3 open fire bans are already in effect in the region. Under the updated ban the following activities are prohibited:
- Campfires as defined in the Wildfire Regulation
- Category 2 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation
- Category 3 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation
- fireworks
- sky lanterns, burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
- air curtain burners
- binary exploding targets
- tiki and similar kind torches
- the use of chimineas, outdoor stoves and other portable campfire apparatuses that are not CSA-approved or ULC-approved
The campfire prohibition applies to all fire pit permits issued in the City of Fernie and will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified.
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs. Additional information on municipal fines can be found in the Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw.
To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. Wildfires may also be reported through the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: bcwildfire.ca
