Though the warm weather hasn’t really arrived yet, the Coastal Fire Centre is getting a jump on reminding people to be careful with open flames.
Exercise caution when doing any outdoor burning, said Fire Information Officer Donna MacPherson in a press release.
“Almost all wildfires that start at this time of year are human-caused and are therefore preventable,†MacPherson said.
People are encouraged to take precautions such as ensuring that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping, do not burn during windy conditions, create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site, and never leave a fire unattended and make sure that the fire is out and the ashes cold to the touch before leaving the area.
Check with the local fire department, municipality and regional district to make sure there are no burning bans in effect.
Always check venting conditions before burning. Find the venting index at www.bcairquality.ca/readings/ventilation-index