Sayward Volunteer Fire Department
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Best Practices for a Safe Beach Fire This Summer


There’s nothing quite like gathering around a crackling beach fire on a warm summer evening—roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and watching the stars come out. But with the beauty and enjoyment of beach fires comes responsibility. Whether you're lighting a campfire with friends or cooking dinner by the sea, following best practices ensures everyone stays safe, and the environment remains protected.


Here’s how to enjoy a safe and responsible beach fire this summer:



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1. Know the Rules and Regulations


Before lighting any fire, check with your local municipality or parks authority.

Some beaches:

Prohibit fires entirely.

Require permits or only allow fires in designated fire pits.

Ban fires during high fire-risk periods.


Pro tip: Look for posted signs at beach entrances or check the local fire department or parks website.


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2. Use Designated Fire Rings or Pits


If your beach has designated fire rings or pits, always use them. These are designed to contain fires safely and minimize damage to sand dunes, vegetation, and wildlife habitats.

If no pits are provided and fires are allowed:

Build your fire below the high tide line (to help extinguish naturally).

Clear the area of driftwood, grasses, and other flammable debris.



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3. Keep It Small and Manageable


A safe beach fire doesn’t need to be large. Keep flames under control and avoid stacking wood too high. A smaller fire:

Burns more efficiently.

Is easier to put out.

Poses less risk of flying embers.



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4. Bring the Right Wood


Use clean, dry firewood or manufactured fire logs. Avoid:

Driftwood (burning it can release toxic chemicals).

Construction scraps (often treated with chemicals).

Green or wet wood (which smokes excessively and burns poorly).



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5. Never Leave a Fire Unattended


Beach breezes can quickly turn a peaceful fire into a hazard. Always have someone monitor the fire and keep children and pets at a safe distance.

Keep these tools on hand:

A bucket of water.

A shovel.

A fire extinguisher or sand.



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6. Fully Extinguish Your Fire


When it’s time to pack up:

Douse the fire with water (not sand alone).

Stir the ashes with a shovel.

Continue adding water and stirring until everything is cool to the touch.


Tip: If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.


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7. Pack Out What You Pack In


Leave the beach as beautiful as you found it. That means:

No bottles, cans, or foil in the fire.

Picking up all garbage.

Avoiding fire accelerants that pollute the air and sand.



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8. Be Considerate of Others


Choose a spot that’s away from crowds and pathways. Keep noise down, and make sure smoke isn't blowing toward other beachgoers.


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Enjoy Summer Responsibly

Beach fires are a cherished summer tradition, but they come with the responsibility to keep people, wildlife, and the environment safe. By following local rules and using common sense, we can all enjoy the warmth of a beach fire without risking harm.

Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy your summer evenings by the shore!


Please be advised that the Coastal Fire Centre will be prohibiting Category 2 (backyard) and Category 3 (industrial) open fire use effective 12:00pm on Friday, May 30, 2025. In addition to these prohibitions, the Coastal Fire Centre will also be restricting the following activities:

S10 Category 2 (Backyard burning) cooresponding S12 equipment and activities:

  • Binary exploding targets.
  • Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act.
  • Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description.
  • Controlled air incinerators

S10 Category 3 (Industrial burning) coorresponding S12 equipment and activities:

  • Air curtain burners
  • Carbonizers

We will continue to evaluate the need for further prohibitions and restrictions but with the current forecast it is anticipated to be a few weeks until a Category 1 campfire prohibition.

La-kwa sa muqw Foresty LP Pile Burning Beginning October 15th


Please be advised that La-kwa sa muqw Foresty LP will be conducting a pile burning program in the Sayward valley beginning on Tuesday, October 15th and running for ~1 month depending on venting and weather. This activity is carried out to increase the area where we can plant trees and to reduce the fire fuel hazard in logged areas in a controlled fashion. We are obligated to reduce the fuel hazard near the Sayward Fire Protection District by regulation.

The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation prescribes conditions under which this pile burning may be carried out. It considers venting, wind direction, wood moisture content, and piling age. The management objective is to eliminate any noticeable impact to air quality from this pile burning program for the residents of Sayward.

If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out, my contact information isbelow.

Shawn Crawford
Silviculture Planner
scrawford@lakwasamuqw.com
250-287-5037

 

Coastal Fire Ban On Campfires Lifted At 12:00pm On Wednesday 28th

Coastal Fire is ending the campfire ban as of 12:00pm on Wednesday, August 28th. Check the Coastal Fire website for up to date information on bans for all types of fires.

Calling on Landowners with Private Water Sources

The Strathcona Regional District received grant funding for wildfire risk reduction activities. Part of this process will involve a community water system assessment for the Sayward Valley.

The SRD is seeking feedback from property owners with private water sources that are willing to make it available for wildfire or structural emergency firefighting purposes. Suitable water sources could include swimming pools, ponds and water tanks.

If you have a private water source and are willing to make it available for emergency firefighting purposes, please submit the SRD survey please submit the SRD survey by June 7th, 2024.
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MUNICIPAL BURNING BYLAW

Click Here to see the burning bylaw document for the Village of Sayward.


FOREST FIRE DANGER RATING



Current Restrictions:
  • Category 1 Campfires - Permitted
  • Category 2 Open Burning - Not Permitted
  • Category 3 Open Burning - Not Permitted
  • Forest Use - No Restrictions
  • Fire Watch Required? - Yes

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POPULAR POSTS

  • Open Fire Prohibition
  • Handling a Downed Power Line - A Guide to Stay Safe and Take Action
  • Public Notice: La-kwa sa muqw Foresty LP Pile Burning Beginning October 15th
  • Coastal Fire Ban On Campfires Lifted At 12:00pm On Wednesday, August 28th
  • Best Practices for a Safe Beach Fire This Summer


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Contact

Hall #1

250-282-5505

620 Kelsey Way
Sayward, BC

Hall #2

250-282-0082

1306 Sayward Road
Sayward, BC

Mail

P.O. Box #59
Sayward, BC
V0P 1R0

Email

svfd@ saywardvalley.ca

Resources

BC Ventilation Index Map

BC Wildfires Map

Electoral Area A Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Fire Smart Canada

Sayward Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Village of Sayward Bylaws




Reporting

Report a Fire - Call 911

Report a Medical Emergency - Call 911

Report a Motor Vehicle Incident - Call 911

Report a Wildfire - Call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555

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