As of July 30, a provincewide burn ban is in effect through proclamation under the Forests Act. That means no open fires are allowed.
The ban will remain in place until October 15, which is the end of wildfire season, or until conditions improve.
The fine for violating the ban is $25,000.
To break it down, the ban applies to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel. Unlike gas or charcoal fires, sparks could escape from an open wood fire and cause a wildfire.
Non-woodburning devices like charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves are allowed to be used, following manufacturer’s instructions.
The province is also banning unnecessary travel in the forests. No hiking, no camping in the woods, or use of vehicles or trail systems through the woods. This applies to Private and Provincial Crown Land. Camping remains permitted at official campgrounds. Forestry operations can occur at night. Permits can be obtained for daytime.
The Weather Network has launched a Fire & Smoke map. Each red location pin is a fire. The orange/brown is the resulting smoke and it’s path.
