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By Mike Vanden Bosch

Fire ban

Ban on most burning activities goes into effect for Chilliwack, Fraser Valley this week

May 14, 2024 | 8:57 AM

CHILLIWACK — Residents of the Fraser Valley have only a few days left until a ban goes into effect that will effectively outlaw most burning activities until the end of October, except for small campfires in permissible areas.

According to a news release from the BC Wildfire Service, open fires, fireworks, sky lanterns and “binary exploding targets” will be prohibited starting this Friday, May 17 at noon throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, which covers all of the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.

This prohibition, which is being enacted to help reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety, will be in place until Oct. 31, 2024, or until the order is rescinded.

This prohibition applies to all public and private land, unless specified otherwise (e.g., in a local government bylaw). Residents are asked to check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

Specifically, this prohibition refers to the following activities:

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“Category 2 open fire” which means an open fire, other than a category 1 campfire, that:

1. Burns material in one pile not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width;
2. Burns material concurrently in 2 piles each not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width; or
3. Burns stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 ha.

“Category 3 open fire” which means an open fire that burns:

1. Material concurrently in 3 or more piles each not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width;
2. Material in one or more piles each exceeding 2 m in height or 3 m in width;
3. One or more windrows, each not exceeding 200 m in length or 15 m in width; or
4. Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 ha.

Also prohibited are the activities listed below (Wildfire Act, Section 12):

• Fireworks;
• Sky Lanterns;
• Binary Exploding Targets;
• Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description; and
• Air Curtain Burners.