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Open fires to be banned on Vancouver Island starting Wednesday

Most open burning in the Coastal Fire Centre jurisdiction, which includes Vancouver Island, will be prohibited as of noon ­Wednesday. Open fires will be banned throughout the region, with the exception of Haida Gwaii.
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Getting ready for a camp fire at Goldstream Provincial Park.

Most open burning in the Coastal Fire Centre jurisdiction, which includes Vancouver Island, will be prohibited as of noon ­Wednesday.

Open fires will be banned throughout the region, with the exception of Haida Gwaii. The prohibition will be in effect on all public and private land.

Also banned are fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and air-curtain burners.

Recreational or ceremonial campfires that are a half-metre high or wide or smaller are allowed, as are cooking stoves fueled by gas, propane or ­briquettes.

Flammable debris should be cleared from the area and at least eight litres of water should be kept nearby so the campfire can be properly put out. A fire guard, such as a ring of rocks, is also required.

Being found in contravention of an open-fire prohibition can lead to a $1,150 violation ticket, an administrative penalty of as much as $10,000 or a fine of up to $100,000 plus ­firefighting costs should a wildfire be involved.