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Haida Gwaii under first campfire ban in a decade

By Stacey MarpleThe province has placed the majority of B.C., including Haida Gwaii, under a strict ban on open burning, which includes small campfires. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources put the ban into effect at noon, July 3, after weeks of a Level 3 drought and more than 150 current forest fires across the province. Today's announcement marks the first campfire ban on Haida Gwaii in at least nine years.The ban applies to open fires of any size, fireworks, sky lanterns and tiki torches and burning barrels or cages of any size. The prohibition does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes as well as portable campfire devices with CSA or ULC rating that use briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel with a flame of 15 centimetres or less. "We're committed to safeguarding B.C.'s families, natural resources and infrastructure from wildfires. Given the hot and dry conditions in most of the province, we are implementing this province-wide campfire ban to help protect our communities," said Steve Thomson, minister of forest, lands and natural resource operation. Northwest Fire Centre records indicate there was no campfire prohibitions for Haida GWaii for the period of 2006-2012. Coastal Fire Center, who took over the Haida Gwaii region in 2012, confirmed that this will be the first Campfire ban they have ever issued for Haida Gwaii. The ban will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663 5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.