With the first long weekend of the ‘summer’ fast approaching, the Comox Valley Regional District has released a public service announcement, detailing the dos and don’ts at area beaches.
Beach fires are only permitted in CVRD parks within designated fire rings or designated BBQ shelters and only when there is not a fire ban in place. However, park visitors may bring their own barbecues, hibachis, and portable propane fire rings to CVRD parks.
Please be aware that other jurisdictions and other agencies may have different beach fire rules.
CVRD parks:
Unless there is a fire ban in place, beach fires are permitted year-round at Joe Walker Park in the designated fire rings or in the BBQ shelter and at the Royston Seaside Trail BBQ shelter located on Marine Drive.
Seasonally from May 1st to September 2nd, beach fires are also permitted within the designated fire rings at Goose Spit Park unless there is a fire ban in place.
• 10 designated fire rings located on the outer beach
• Kiln-dried and untreated firewood is the only permitted firewood at Goose Spit Park and is provided by the CVRD each morning when the program is running.
Fire bans and restrictions:
The CVRD has an operating procedure for applying fire restrictions within CVRD parks to ensure a consistent, coordinated and predictable approach to applying restrictions.
Campfire bans for CVRD parks are implemented as per the direction of the Regional Rural Fire Chief, who will consult with the local fire chiefs from their respective fire protection areas. This often follows the provincial Category 1 open fire prohibition.
When a campfire ban has been implemented, the beach fire program at Goose Spit will be suspended, designated fire rings at all CVRD parks will be removed and the designated BBQ shelters will be closed.
Beach fire etiquette:
• All beach fires must be contained in designated fire rings
• All beach fires must be fully extinguished by park closing (11 p.m.)
• A bucket of water, containing at least 10 litres, must be kept beside the fire at all times
• No burning of driftwood, treated wood, plastics, garbage, or material other than dry and untreated wood
Visitors may bring their own barbecues, hibachis, and portable propane fire rings to CVRD parks.