Complete Fire Ban in Effect by BC Wildfire Service

As a result of a complete fire ban enacted by BC Wildfire Service, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and its surrounding partner agencies will be issuing the same ban, effective Thursday, May 7 at 12:00 noon.

Campfires will not be allowed throughout the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction, including all provincial parks, crown land, and private property. This ban also includes the suspension of the beach fire program at Goose Spit Park.

"The Comox Valley is experiencing hot and dry conditions and it's important to do our part in reducing wildfire risk and protecting the public," explains Bruce Green, CVRD Regional Rural Fire Chief. "The CVRD and our regional partners are following the direction of BC Wildfire Service with a zero tolerance for fires of any kind. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe from the threat of wildfire."

The following area fire departments are involved in the complete ban:

• Comox Fire Rescue
• Courtenay Fire Department
• Cumberland Fire Rescue
• Denman Island Fire Rescue
• Fanny Bay Volunteer Fire Department
• Hornby Island Fire Rescue
• Merville Fire Department
• Mount Washington Fire Department
• Oyster River Fire Rescue
• Ships Point Volunteer Fire Department
• Union Bay Fire Rescue

The ban does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or portable campfire devices that use briquettes, liquid, or gaseous fuel, provided they are CSA or ULC approved, and the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres.

To further reduce wildfire risk in the Comox Valley, a smoking ban has been issued in all CVRD parks, and all fire rings will be removed from designated parks. For a complete list of our parks, visit the Parks, Trails & Beach Access page.

For more information on your fire service area or to contact your local fire department, visit: https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/fire.

For more information on the ban issued by the Coastal Fire Centre, view their news bulletin here.

The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K'ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.

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Media Contact:

Doug DeMarzo
General Manager of Community Services
250-334-6053