High Fire Hazard Rating
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 7:42PM With the drying winds and increased sun and heat we have quickly moved up to HIGH HAZARD for wildfire. (As I write this, North Oyster and Ladysmith Fire Departments are responding to a bush fire near the Trans Canada and Brenton Paige Road.)
We all need to step up our safety game as we head into the delayed wildfire season. Chainsawing etc. should be done in the morning cool hours when the humidity is higher, and a fire watch posted when work must cease at 11 a.m. Have water and tools with you.
We are still allowing those with campfire permits to July 31st to have wood or charcoal campfires that are constantly supervised by an adult and thoroughly extinguished with an over abundance of water. However, if you have a propane campfire appliance, now is the time to get it out and use that instead. That way you and the island will be safer. Propane campfire appliances do not require a permit.
If you see a plume of smoke in the daytime in the bush, call 911-Fire. If you see ignited materials being tossed out of a car onto our roads (e.g. cigarette) call 911-RCMP with the licence number. They will follow up.
Let’s all start to get more nervous and cautious. The wet spring and June was great but the woods are drying out quickly.
We will reassess the solid fuel campfire permits this weekend and if we have to rescind the permits we will post in eSPOKES and contact the permit holders. Stay tuned.
Fire Chief J. Caldbeck
