The entire Northwest Fire Centre, including areas surrounding Prince Rupert, remain under a total open fire ban.
The ban, first instituted on July 10, prohibits campfires, open fires, waste burning, tiki torches, fireworks and burning barrels among others.
The City of Prince Rupert, however, has clarified that small backyard cooking fires are allowed within the city limits.
“The City of Prince Rupert Fire Department would like to clarify – for those of you looking to indulge in some hot dogs and marshmallows – that small backyard cooking fires are still permitted within City limits,” the department said. “Although there is a provincial fire ban in effect, municipalities with full-time fire departments have the right to set standards within their own communities based on the risks associated with local conditions.
“However, as fire resources have currently been redirected to address fires throughout the rest of the province, residents are encouraged to proceed with extreme care and caution and strictly abide by the fire ban on provincial lands.”
The announcement pointed out that Oliver Lake is within city limits, but Prudhomme and Diana Lakes as well as Kloiya Bay are all provincial lands and therefore under the fire ban.
The City of Terrace has banned all fires, and this time that includes Ferry Island.
“Effective immediately, all fires (including campfires) are prohibited within the City of Terrace. With hot and dry weather expected for the Northwest and with many local firefighting resources deployed elsewhere in the province, it has been determined that this is the best course of action for the time being. The ban now includes Ferry Island,” said the city this afternoon, Aug. 1.
The City of Prince Rupert Fire Department small campfire provision was still effective on Monday.
Stay tuned to: www.thenorthernview.com for updates should the situation change.