How to Be FireSmart This Summer

SUMMARY

It's important to be be FireSmart this summer and help prevent wildfires in British Columbia, here's some tips on how you can be firesmart in Mission, BC.

How to Be FireSmart This Summer

It's important to be FireSmart this summer so that we can all help prevent wildfires in British Columbia.

Did you know that 40% of wildfires in BC are caused by humans? That means that 40% of wildfires in BC are likely preventable!

FireSmart BC is an organization that works towards improving wildfire preparedness, prevention, and mitigation in British Columbia. As part of their work, they provide informational materials for BC residents and visitors to learn and better understand how to prevent wildfires—and to stay safe if they happen.

To access these resources, please visit the British Columbia FireSmart website where they have information for individuals and communities alike.

When you are traveling to Mission and within BC it is important to keep up to date with the current Fire Bans. These bans are imperative to keeping others, yourself, and the beauty of our natural surroundings safe.

As of July 9th 2024, the City of Mission, including Stave West area and campgrounds, has implemented a ban on all open burning until further notice. This includes campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, and recreational fire pits. Cooking stoves, barbeques and portable campfire pits using gas, propane or briquettes are permitted. Please see the official Government of British Columbia website for a full list and details on restrictions.

Photo Credit: @theavidcamper on Instagram

Camping and Fire Bans in British Columbia

While there is more than one way to be FireSmart (check out the seven FireSmart disciplines), it’s especially important to:

  • respect fire bans,
  • properly extinguish allowable campfires, and
  • responsibly dispose of all smoking materials.

Statistics from: (https://firesmartbc.ca/).

If you're looking for more information, make sure to check out these other great resources:

We are all in this together! 

BC Wildfire Dashboard (arcgis.com)   An interactive map of all active wildfires in British Columbia.

BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) / Twitter   BC Wildfire Service's Twitter.

BC Wildfire Service - Home | Facebook   BC Wildfire Service's Facebook.

Fire Bans and Restrictions (gov.bc.ca)   Up to date information on fire bans and restrictions.

BC Parks  Information regarding Provincial campgrounds and parks closures.

Alerts, closures and warnings - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)   Alerts, closures and warnings regarding rustic campsites and recreational trails.

Air Quality Health Index  Real-time air quality updates for smoke conditions across the province.

City of Mission Burn Permits Up to date information on fire bans and restrictions in Mission.