Fire Ban in CRD Parks

Hey, paddlers who like to go ashore and cook while day paddling or camping! We just got this press release from the Capital Regional District parks branch, quoted below. If you're in one of the CRD's parks around Victoria -- heck, if you're in any park on the Island or nearby islands -- the dry spell has caused extreme fire risk. Basically, don't light any campfires in a park or even on an isolated beach as the forest is tinder dry. One spark can fly in the wind. If you use a gas barbecue or campstove, be really careful and supervise it carefully.

Information BulletinFor Immediate Release
Monday, July 6, 2015

Fire Ban at Regional Parks Expanded to Include Charcoal Barbeques

Victoria, BC– Effective immediately charcoal brick and briquette barbeques are prohibited at all Regional Parks within the Capital Regional District due to the current extreme fire hazard rating. Propane and gas barbeques are allowed under direct supervision. The campfire ban at Island View Beach and Jordan River Regional Parks Campgrounds remains in effect. The bans are intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. Park visitors are asked to be aware of all spark sources and to report forest fires to 911.

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For media inquiries, please contact:Laurie Sthamann, Communications Coordinator CRD Parks & Environmental Services Tel: 250.360.3332 Cell: 250.890.8030

www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Even if you're somewhere that still looks green, the whole province is dry and no rain is likely for another week or two. Check out this video taken by Karl Johanson of a fire that started June 29 on the Panama Flats, where he and Stephanie have paddled their kayaks in Colquitz Creek during winter flooding. The green bushes and trees are flaring up, fast and hot.