The City of Nanaimo has imposed a complete ban placed on open fires.
It includes everything from tiki torches, fireworks, firecrackers, chimineas, incinerators and burning barrels, as well as any stove or portable campfire devices that have not been CSA or ULC approved. To know if a device is CSA or ULC certified, check for a sticker with those initials on the device.
Devices allowed for cooking and heating include cooking devices fuelled by propane, natural gas, naphtha, kerosene, charcoal briquettes or electricity such as barbecues, grills, smokers and portable or fixed campfire devices. Ensure that barbecue briquettes are fully extinguished after use.
The fire danger rating on much of Vancouver Island is high to extreme. As of Saturday evening, two wildfires were burning — one near Port Alberni, and one on the border of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.
Nanaimo firefighters have already tackled and put out several small fires, said Fire Chief Tim Doyle.
“The hot, dry weather we have been experiencing have created conditions that are prime for wildfires. We are already seeing out of control fires around B.C. with devastating outcomes.”
