The City of Williams Lake is implementing a campfire ban within City limits effective at 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The ban will remain in place until October 31, 2026, unless conditions improve and it can be rescinded earlier. Fire risk conditions will be continually reassessed throughout the season.
Evan Dean, Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services, said the decision follows two human-caused fires responded to by the Williams Lake Fire Department on April 23, 2026 - as well as increasingly dry and windy conditions developing earlier than normal for this time of year.
“The fires we responded to were not abandoned but were, unfortunately, not tended to safely,” Dean said. “People underestimate how quickly fire can escape in these dry, windy conditions. This temporary ban is a necessary step to reduce preventable ignitions and protect our community.”
The campfire ban applies to:
- Wood-burning campfires of any size
- Backyard fire pits using wood
- Burning of yard waste, grass or debris
The following are still permitted:
- Propane fire pits
- Propane and natural gas barbecues
- Charcoal briquettes
- CSA/ULC-approved gas appliances
Fine fuels such as grass and brush are highly susceptible to ignition and can spread quickly, particularly in windy conditions. The ban is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and help protect homes, neighbourhoods and emergency responders. The City and the Williams Lake Fire Department thank residents for their cooperation and vigilance. For more information, please contact the Williams Lake Fire Department at 250-392-4321.
No comments:
Post a Comment