Fireworks and campfires might be two of the more traditional ways to mark Canada Day in B.C., but you won't see either lit in Whistler on July 1 this year.
Following this week's record-breaking heatwave, Whistler's fire danger rating is currently listed as "extreme." A lack of precipitation coupled with unprecedentedly high temperatures has created tinder-dry conditions, resulting in a high risk of wildfire. The BC Wildfire Service is already reporting three fires of note burning out of control in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
These conditions prompted B.C.'s provincial government to implement a ban on several open flame sources, effective as of noon today, June 30. Those include:
- Fireworks
- Campfires
- Sky lanterns
- Burn barrels or burn cages
- Binary exploding targets
- Tiki and similar kinds of torches
- Chimineas
- Air curtain burners
- Outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada rating
This prohibition will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 15, 2021, or until the order is rescinded.
Meanwhile, the Resort Municipality of Whistler is reminding locals and visitors that fireworks remain banned in Whistler, including on Canada Day. There are four days of the year when the celebratory explosives are allowed in Whistler, as per the resort's Fire and Life Safety Bylaw: Jan. 1, Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Dec. 31.
Anyone found in breach of an open burning prohibition could receive a violation ticket for $1,150, a penalty of up to $10,000 or be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the violation causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Wildfires can be reported by calling 9-1-1, *5555 on a cell, or 1-800-663-5555 toll-free.
