B.C. fire officials concerned with 'spike' in illegal campfires
Fire officials say they're concerned with a recent surge in illegal campfires along British Columbia's coast, as hundreds of wildfires continue to burn in the province.
The Coastal Fire Centre says it's seeing a "large spike" in illegal campfires in the region, which includes Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, Haida Gwaii and areas of the Lower Mainland.
"Because we haven't had rain for so long, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has increased the number of officers that are patrolling for illegal campfires," said Matt Bell with the Coastal Fire Centre on Tuesday.
"When they do find illegal campfires, conservations officers are immediately issuing fines of $1,150," he said.
Bell added that conservation officers are surprised at how many illegal campfires they are finding, particularly because the province is under a state of emergency due to wildfires burning in the Interior, and because a province-wide campfire ban has been in place since June 28.
"We're definitely seeing a large number than should be expected given the amount of drying that has occurred," he said.
Fire officials are stressing the importance of fire safety, especially in the coastal region, which has been relatively unscathed by this year's wildfire season.
Bell says that additional resources can be deployed from the coastal region to active wildfires in the Interior, but not if wildfires start appearing on the coast.
"It's really something we need to nail down and need to make sure everyone's really diligent on as we get into these higher temperatures and even further drier conditions headed to the long weekend," he said.
Environment Canada has posted special weather statements warning of high temperatures on parts of Vancouver Island and for Southern Gulf Islands later this week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.