Are you wondering why approved propane campfire appliances are allowed during complete campfire bans? Propane campfires produce no smoke, and more importantly, no sparks. You can turn off the propane fuel immediately, and there are no smoldering embers or ashes. Propane campfire appliances sit above the ground in a container, and not on the soil or duff where wood or briquettes can light underground fires. There is no water needed to extinguish a propane campfire - you only need to turn off the fuel. Some models can be adjusted to a flame level you prefer but all models will not produce a flame height higher than the Provincial regulation of 18", unlike wood fuelled campfires. There is no danger of incomplete extinguishment of a propane campfire appliance but briquettes or wood fuelled barbecues or campfires can be problematic due to improper disposal of the leftover fuel (unburned wood or briquettes that are internally still harbouring embers). The Province and Fire Departments support the use of propane campfires and BBQ's. Although approved campfire appliances are expensive compared to a box of matches and some sticks, they are much safer, give out real campfire heat and flames, and last for many years.
For your information, Costco in Nanaimo has the best price for a great unit (you may have seen one in action at the Fire Smart Workshop) for $99.
The areas around Thetis Island all the way to Victoria are in HIGH HAZARD and there is talk that the Province may be banning wood/briquette campfires in the coming week. The Capital Regional District already has areas in EXTREME. Penelakut Island had a reported bush fire on Thursday. We need to be vigilant. If campfires or BBQs are part of your summer activities here on Thetis or when you go camping in Provincial Parks, please consider an approved propane campfire appliance or propane fuelled BBQ.
TIVFD
