Vancouver fire marshal issues citywide recreational burn ban

Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli has issued a citywide ban on recreational burning that will begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday, due to “extremely dry conditions.”

The ban will likely remain in effect throughout summer or until weather conditions and fire danger improve, according to a city news release.

Under the order, recreational fires and bonfires; campfires; and fires in outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and chimney-type devices are prohibited. Those who violate the order may receive a fire code citation and $500 fine, which may include criminal penalties, the news release states.

Cooking outdoors in propane or charcoal barbecues is allowed during the ban. However, unmanaged cooking and heating fires, such as those at homeless camps, are illegal and will be extinguished, according to the news release.

“The risk for fire is extremely high and state officials have said that this year’s wildfire season has the potential to be record-breaking,” Scarpelli said in the news release. “It is vital that everyone be extra vigilant about fire safety during this time. In addition to not using any recreational fires, we also ask that smokers never put out their cigarettes in bark mulch or planters or toss lit cigarettes out car windows.”

People should call 911 to report any fire-related activity. For more information on fire prevention, visit www.vanfire.org.