The approx. 2 mm of precipitation Wednesday evening was just enough to keep us in HIGH Hazard. This means activities in and around the forest can still be performed but should be curtailed after 1 pm and a two-hour fire watch posted.
But we are definitely sliding upwards towards EXTREME Hazard. When we enter the first three days of EXTREME Hazard conditions period, all high Hazard activities must be completed before 11am and a mandatory fire watch posted for the following two hours.
After three days of EXTREME Hazard then all High Risk Activities must cease. This includes any activity where a metal blade could strike a rock and cause a spark. Lawn-mowing and chain-sawing are included in High Risk Activities. Using an electric or battery powered plastic-stringed weed eater is not a high risk activity.
Veronica keeps the TIVFD website as up to date as possible and the Hazard Board by the ferry is changed to reflect the conditions. Brush, grass and forest fires have been an almost daily occurrence in the Cowichan Valley this month and the Comox Valley north of us has already gone to a High Risk Activity Ban.
We urge you to get your outdoor chores completed sooner than later because the forecast is for a hotter, dryer summer than last year and dangerous fire behaviour conditions.
TIVFD
