“Greater Victoria Municipalities Maintain Campfire Bans”

Several municipalities in the Greater Victoria area are upholding campfire bans over the Labour Day long weekend, despite campfire bans being lifted in areas outside municipal boundaries across British Columbia. Langford, Sooke, Metchosin, and Highlands are maintaining their campfire prohibitions, attributing the decision to heightened fire risks on the southern end of Vancouver Island. Although the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) notes improving conditions across the province with anticipated fall-like weather in southwest B.C., Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey highlights ongoing fires in the Interior, which may impact their availability to assist with potential incidents in southern Vancouver Island. Campfires, categorized as Category 1 fires by the B.C. Wildfire Service, are limited to half a meter in height and width. While many campfire restrictions were lifted in the province due to decreased fire risks from recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, Aubrey suggests that the limited rainfall in Greater Victoria may necessitate a delay in lifting campfire bans, potentially waiting for a few days of improved weather before considering changes next week. The bans apply to parks and other areas within municipal boundaries but exclude provincial parks. BCWS fire information officer Sam Bellion highlights the continued high fire risk in the southern tip of Vancouver Island as of Friday, noting the shift in weather towards more autumnal conditions with longer nights, cooler days, and rain forecasts. Bellion emphasizes the importance of adhering to local fire bans and practicing fire safety when lighting campfires, including creating a fire break, having extinguishing tools nearby, and ensuring the fire is on level ground. With 134 active wildfires reported in B.C. as of Friday afternoon, the BCWS alerts that forests remain dry due to prolonged drought conditions.