EXTREME  

WHEN THE FIRE RISK IN THE GULF ISLANDS IS EXTREME outdoor or incinerator burning is not allowed

All high risk/industrial activity must cease except with the written permission of the Fire Chief

In EXTREME fire risk conditions fires will start very easily and spread very quickly. During these conditions it is simply too risky to take unnecessary chances.

Please

• Watch those cigarette butts - a careless toss and we could experience a wildfire
• Be vigilant and alert - Call 911 immediately if you see or smell unexplained smoke
• Observe the total ban on all open burning

Balancing fire risk safety with economic consequences

PIFR is committed to ensure that the community remains safe from wildfires and that the economic impacts of work closures on jobs and projects are minimized through sound risk management principals.

The Fire Chief or designate has authority under CRD Bylaw 3452 to issue written permission to work during times of fire restrictions or closures. Permits may be issued providing suitable fire safety plans and prevention measures are implemented to mitigate the fire risks. Permits may be obtained from Fire Hall #1.

Capital Regional District Bylaw 3452

The CRD Bylaw can be reviewed in full on the CRD website Bylaw 3452

Please also check these FAQ

  HIGH  

All high risk/industrial activity must cease except before 1 p.m.

Outdoor or incinerator burning is not allowed in July, August and September under CRD Bylaw 3452; and when the "NO FIRES ANYWHERE" signs are posted.

Residential Yard and Home Maintenance
Please do work & chores before 1 p.m.

When the fire risk is at ‘high and extreme’ activities that require the use of gas powered equipment should be completed before 1 p.m. each day. If you need to work with these tools use them in the mornings when the relative humidity and fuel moisture is highest and temperatures are cooler. You should stay on site and watch the area for smoke for two hours after you finish your work.

The reason for 1 p.m. is simple: If a fire does start there is a much higher chance that it can be contained before dark if it is reported early in the day.

Please also check these FAQ

  MODERATE  

Outdoor or incinerator burning is not allowed in July, August and September under CRD Bylaw 3452; and when the "NO FIRES ANYWHERE" signs are posted.

All outdoor activities must be conducted with caution.

• In the fall, winter and spring there may be activity restrictions including:
• After three consecutive days of "Moderate" fire threat, maintain a fire watcher after work for a minimum of one hour. Continue this until after the fire danger threat falls to "Low".
• In the Spring and Fall Shoulder Seasons, Apr 1-Jun 30 and Oct 1-31, Burning Permits are required; see the bylaw information below.
• From Nov 1st-March 31st, permits are not required but burning must be conducted in accordance with the regulations stated in the Bylaw.
• In the shoulder seasons, permits may be available.

  LOW  

In July, August and September under CRD Bylaw 3452 outdoor or incinerator burning is NOT allowed

In the Spring and Fall Shoulder Seasons, Apr 1-Jun 30 and Oct 1-31, Burning Permits are required; see the regulation information below.

From Nov 1st-March 31st, permits are not required but burning must be conducted in accordance with the regulations stated in the bylaw.

Regulations include:

• A person shall not carry out Class "B" open burning during the months of July, August and September or during times of complete fire closure as determined by the Fire Chief appointed for the local service area.
• No person shall ignite an open fire unless they are the owner of the parcel of land on which the fire is ignited, or have been provided authorization from the owner of the parcel to conduct open burning on the parcel.
• All burning must be carried out only in strict accordance with the terms and conditions of the Fire Regulation Bylaw, and all other applicable laws whether municipal, provincial or federal. Fines can be issued for illegal fires.
• All fires must be continuously controlled and supervised by a competent person until such fire is completely extinguished and the person responsible shall ensure that sufficient material, equipment and labour are present on site to effectively maintain control over the fire and prevent the same from spreading, causing damage or becoming dangerous to life or to other property.
• No person shall burn the following material: tires, plastic, drywall, paint and paint products, treated lumber, asphalt, asphalt products, rubber, fuel, solvents, metals and lubricant containers, tar paper, railway ties, demolition waste, garbage, biomedical waste or manure.
• No person shall carry out Class "B" burning within 10 metres of any building, structure, fence, tree or hedge.
• No person shall burn green debris (debris that has been on the ground for less than 30 days) or leaves.
• Class "B" fires are not permitted to burn for more than four consecutive days.
• No person shall add additional materials to a fire within two (2) hours of sunset of each day of the fire.
• The Fire Chief or designate may direct the person having control of the fire to extinguish the fire, suspend, withhold or cancel any burning where, in the Fire Chief"s opinion, igniting of a fire in any area may create a fire hazard or increase the danger of fire to persons or property, or where burning is carried out in contravention of the Fire Regulation Bylaw, or any other applicable law.
• A person directed by the Fire Chief or Designate to extinguish a fire shall cause the fire to be completely extinguished.