Open Burning Starts October 1st
Monday, September 28, 2020 at 12:13PM Open Burning on Thetis Island will commence on October 1st, Thursday, with permits. Please apply for a permit online at www.thetisislandfire.ca
“Never burn garbage or construction debris. It is illegal, and it releases toxic chemicals in the air. Effects of these toxins include cancer, lowered immunity, disorders of the nervous system, and interfere with childhood development. Reduce waste and recycle instead.
Campfires and beach fires can release a significant amount of smoke and fine particulates into the air. Burning salt covered wood in beach fires releases dioxins and furans, which are very toxic. “ (Ministry of Environment)
Thetis Island lies within a High Sensitivity Zone for smoke control and open burning other than campfires will depend on the Ventilation Index for the South Island on the day of your burn. Use the interactive map for a daily update on the Venting Index found on http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/
Regulations for size of campfires: no greater than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width.
Regulations for hand piled yard waste burn piles : no greater than 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width.
Have tools and water sufficient for thorough extinguishment at the site.
All fires must be supervised (not left unattended) by an adult until extinguished.
Authorized burn barrels also require an inspection and a permit and cannot be used to burn garbage, construction debris, plastics etc.
On November 1st , TIVFD Burn Permits will no longer be required through the winter months to April 1st, but outdoor smoke regulations will require you to burn yard waste only when the Venting Index permits.
If at all possible, please limit your smoke by chipping garden debris, composting leaves, or other means of disposal. The fine particulate matter and toxins in smoke that we create outdoors can adversely affect our neighbours’ health. Outdoor burns are not nearly as efficient as modern wood stoves in reducing smoke pollution and therefore are more regulated.
TIVFD
