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Beach fires not allowed in City of Nanaimo

Nanaimo Fire Chief clarifies fire regulations

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 9, 2020 9:00 AM

Summary

Nanaimo Fire Rescue has been responding to an increase in burning complaints over the past week. As a reminder, open fire permits, generally available in April for properties larger than one acre or Protection Island, have been revoked due to the recommendations of the Province of British Columbia. These open burning prohibitions will reduce demands on firefighting resources and help protect the health and safety of the public. They will also help reduce the impact of smoke on air quality and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, at all times camp fires and beach fires are not permitted within the City boundaries. City boundaries include the foreshore waters and extend from the southern North Cedar boundary around Protection and Saysutshun 'Newcastle' Islands to the northern city limits. This includes all areas of a beach, above and below high water levels.

Cooking Fires are permitted in devices or fixtures made for the cooking of food, use clean dry wood, briquettes or clean fuel. These fires must be used for cooking of food and not to exceed more than 2 hours.

Link to Strategic Plan: The City of Nanaimo supports environmental sustainability and promotes safety in our community.

Key Points

  • Open fire permits have been revoked due to recommendations from the Province of British Columbia. The City has taken several considerations including reducing large gatherings and protecting the air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Campfires and beach fires are not permitted in the City of Nanaimo.
  • Nanaimo Fire Rescue has seen an increase in burning complaints over the past few weeks, residents are reminded that backyard fires are not permitted.
  • The City of Nanaimo Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw 2011 No. 7108 regulates open fires.

Quotes

Karen Fry

"In the last few weeks, we have seen an increased number of burning complaints, from beach fires to individuals burning their yard waste. It is important to clarify that no fires, other than small cooking fires on private property are permitted. Beach fires are not be permitted anywhere on the foreshore either above the high water or below the high water mark."

Karen Fry
Fire Chief
City of Nanaimo
-30-

Contact:

Karen Fry
Fire Chief
City of Nanaimo
250 753-7311

Print News Release

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