District of Squamish fire ban still in effect; risk still high despite cooler temperatures

An open campfire ban remains in effect within the District of Squamish despite the Coastal Fire Centre lifting their ban across the broader region. While cooler temperatures and rain are forecasted, conditions are still too dry locally to lift the ban. Just last night, Squamish Fire Rescue battled a human-caused blaze at Watt’s Point, just south of Squamish. 

“We will continue to review the ban once we see precipitation actually materialize but for now, it is still too dry in Squamish to allow open fires,” says Deputy Fire Chief Bob Fulton. “Thank you to the public for your continued vigilance in this matter.”

The District of Squamish fire ban continues to apply to private property, private campsites and all Crown land within the District boundaries for open campfires and open stoves. Visitors to BC Parks in the area should check with the individual park for their policies.

The Wildfire Management Branch Coastal Fire Centre covers a large area from the South Coast of British Columbia to Haida Gwaii. The Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments.

Thursday’s Watts Point fire was approximately one acre in size and was contained quickly and extinguished by Squamish Fire Rescue and Coastal Fire Centre crews. The area continues to be patrolled Thursday morning.

The District of Squamish will continue to review the fire ban over the long weekend in light of the weather conditions. Stay tuned to the District’s website at www.squamish.ca for the latest information.

August 28, 2014