Some Confusion on High Hazard Activities Dates

There is a bit of confusion on how the High Hazard Activities allowance or ban works. High Hazard Activities are mechanical activities that produce sparks that could ignite combustibles in or near the forest. When the Wildfire Danger Class readings reach HIGH HAZARD, all High Hazard Activities must cease at 1 pm, and a 2-hour fire watch posted for signs of smoke. Typical High Hazard activities are metal blades striking rocks, sparks from exhausts, etc.

When the Danger Class readings go up to EXTREME, you still have the first three days of EXTREME to work to 1 pm, with fire watch after. The day following those three days, all High Hazard Activities must cease. However, when we drop from EXTREME to HIGH again, you have to wait for the first three days in HIGH with the complete ban still on. After three days in HIGH (that followed EXTREME) then it opens back up to early shift, with activities allowed to 1 pm and a fire watch posted. 

When we drop to MODERATE, High-Risk Activities are allowed, with sensible precautions to not start a wildfire. No solid fuel fires are allowed until October 31st, regardless of the Danger Class Readings…the BC government has decreed this regulation.

I hope this clears things up a bit. Questions or concerns: call the Duty Officer at 250-252-0228. If you see smoke call 911.

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck