When campfire and fire bans are implemented in British Columbia, it is a sign that there is a significant wildfire risk.
This year, a nationwide campfire ban has been in effect since July 12. However, some places have continued to have campfires despite the ban.
A camper in southeastern British Columbia received a $1,150 fine for a campfire in August. Another camper in the southern Okanagan received the same fine, also for a campfire.
While these fines are significant, the costs could have been much higher if the fire had spread to a wildfire.
There is a possibility that those responsible for starting a forest fire in British Columbia could be required to pay the full cost of fighting the fire and the value of the lost timber, as well as face fines and possible imprisonment.
In recent years, wildfires have become a significant problem in British Columbia, with the cost of fighting wildfires running into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The province is currently experiencing the fourth worst wildfire season on record. Wildfire crews have been called out to fight fires in the Okanagan and southeastern British Columbia, with some of the fires approaching homes and populated areas. Evacuations were necessary in the northeastern part of the province as the fires threatened towns and communities.
This year’s forest fire season has caused considerable destruction.
More than two-thirds of the fires recorded since April 1 this year have been caused by lightning strikes, but almost a quarter are due to human activity.
Lightning strikes cannot be prevented, but the number of fires caused by human activity can be reduced.
It’s time to rethink the campfire tradition, especially during the hot and dry weather of summer.
It is time to respect campfire and fire bans, as these restrictions are designed to reduce the damage caused by wildfires in what is already a destructive year.
— Black Press Media
