FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE August 3, 2017
[Sooke, BC]
During “Extreme” fire rating conditions, and in adherence with the Wildfire Act (Wildfire Regulation, Section 6), please be advised that, in addition to the Open Air Burning Ban (that includes campfires, beach fires and backyard fires), high-risk activities on or within 300m of forest land or grass land are not permissible within the District of Sooke.
What is a high-risk activity? In the Wildfire Regulation, high-risk activities include (but are not limited to) the following:
- (a) mechanical brushing;
- (b) disk trenching;
- (c) preparation or use of explosives;
- (d) using fire- or spark-producing tools, including cutting tools;
- (e) using or preparing fireworks or pyrotechnics;
- (f) grinding, including rail grinding;
- (g) mechanical land clearing;
- (h) clearing and maintaining rights of way, including grass mowing (specifically, flail mowers – personal lawn mowing is still permissible)
This ban aims to prevent human-caused wildfires and structure fires, protect our natural environment and ensure public safety. Updates will be posted in local media and on the District’s website www.sooke.ca.
Please report any fires directly to 911, and any unauthorized activity that poses a risk of fire, to the Sooke Fire Department at 250.642.5422.
Media Contact:
Kenn Mount
Fire Chief/Director of Community Safety
District of Sooke
Tel: (250) 642-5422
Email: kmount@sooke.ca