Going camping? Consider these wildfire safety and prevention tips

July 29, 2019 // by Baneet Braich

Check Wildfire Conditions and Campfire Bans

The three fire categories affected by restrictions include open fires, campfires, and forest use.

To check on fire bans visit current restrictions and bans in effect as well as a map view.

For further information on road conditions especially during peak wildfire season visit DriveBC

Track Wildfire Smoke Air Quality

The B.C government issues public advisories called Smoky Skies which share which areas are being affected by wildfire smoke or have reasonable potential to be impacted. To check these advisories click here.

For those traveling you can also view the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which provides air quality readings and health warnings from across the province.

Do your part

Up to 40% of wildfires are human caused according to the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition.

Only start the campfire in the supplied fire pit. Never move a fire pit from its original placement.
Have eight liters of water near in case of emergency
Carefully extinguish your campfire before sleeping or leaving the campsite by dousing it with water and stirring until the ashes are completely cold.
Never throw cigarettes, smoking materials or matches from moving vehicles or on park/forest grounds. It is recommended to carry a pocket ashtray to dispose of cigarettes.
Never leave food items cooking unattended, whether outside or inside your camper.

How to prepare before an incident occurs

After arriving at your campsite insure the nearest evacuation route and map out the escape procedure.
Have a ‘to go bag’ ready comprised of a checklist of important emergency supplies in case of tent or RV evacuation.
If you are in an area being evacuated do not wait, follow the instructions given and leave.

RV Safety

Vehicles can be fire risk factors. Service your camping vehicle annually.
Install and maintain at least one smoke alarm in your RV near the sleeping area and test the RV alarms weekly.
Practise your RV fire escape plan and prepare at least two ways out the RV- in front and the rear.

ATV Safety

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are a popular off-road transportation.

Ensure your ATV has a spark arrestor inside the muffler to trap any escaping sparks.
Carry a fire extinguisher or a pail and shovel, to extinguish any potential fires
Be careful around vegeation. The heat from ATV exhausts is a fire risk when idling near tall grass.

For more information visit the Camping and RVing BC Coalition

baneet.braich@bpdigital.ca
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