Effective Aug. 4, a public fire ban has been put in place for the districts of Tofino and Ucluelet.
The prohibition will remain in effect until otherwise notified.
Residents and visitors are advised that all open fires, including campfires and beach fires, are prohibited on public property within boundaries of Tofino and Ucluelet.
There is also a permanent ban on all open fires in all forested areas of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with beach fires being prohibited at Long Beach, Combers Beach, and Swim Beach on Kennedy Lake.
“Fire resources are stretched across the province, with the B.C. interior wildfires impacting protective services even in communities the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District,” noted Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne in a press release.
“It’s the right time to take a proactive measure like this here on the West Coast,” she said.
During this campfire prohibition, only CSA or ULC approved portable campfire devices and outdoor stoves may be used and flame length must not exceed 15-centimeters.
If conditions warrant, portable campfire devices and outdoor stoves may be further restricted or prohibited.
Campfires on private property (e.g. backyards, residences, private campgrounds) are permitted at this time.
There is currently no Provincial Fire Ban in the Fog Zone, however dry weather conditions are forecasted to continue and emergency crews are occupied elsewhere in the province.
The British Columbia Wildfire Management Danger Class Rating for the Tofino-Ucluelet area is Moderate: Forest fuels are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting.
Locals and visitors are reminded to please respect all signage and public notices, and to carry out any forest activities with caution.