High-Risk Activities
High risk activities are defined in the Wildfire Regulation under “Definitions“.
In the Wildfire Regulation, high risk activities mean each of the following:
(As per Wildfire Regulation consolidated July 13, 2006)
(a) mechanical brushing;
(b) disk trenching;
(c) preparation or use of explosives;
(d) using fire- or spark-producing tools, including cutting tools; (i.e. grinders, cutting torches)
(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; (this refers to commercial right of way lawn mowing. NOT RESIDENTIAL LAWN MOWING)
(i) any of the following activities carried out in a cutblock, excluding a road, landing, roadside work area or log sort area in the cutblock:
(i) operating a power saw; (unless on a landing)
(ii) mechanical tree felling, woody debris piling or tree processing, including de-limbing;
(iii) welding;
(iv) portable wood chipping, milling, processing or manufacturing; (unless on a landing)
(v) skidding logs or log forwarding unless it is improbable that the skidding or forwarding will result in the equipment contacting rock;
(vi) yarding logs using cable systems;
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “Early Shift” and “Shutdown”?
After 3 consecutive days of HIGH FIRE DANGER RATING, high-risk activities must cease by 1:00 p.m. This is referred to as “Early Shift”
During times of EXTREME FIRE DANGER RATING, high-risk activities must cease by 1:00 p.m.
After 3 consecutive days of EXTREME FIRE DANGER RATING, cease high-risk activities all day. This is referred to as “Shutdown”
Can I use a wood-fired hot tub or sauna during a fire ban?
No. Wood-fired hot tubs, wood-fired saunas and other wood-fired devices are prohibited during fire bans.
Can I use a propane fire pit during a fire ban?
Yes. Residents can use an APPROVED (not homemade) propane fire pit year-round. Extra precaution must be taken during periods of high and extreme fire danger. Set up your propane fire pit on a non-combustible surface, keep an eye on it, and have a water source close by.
Can I use my indoor woodstove/fireplace during a fire ban?
Yes. Residents can use their indoor woodstove and/or fireplace year-round. CAUTION: Sparks can travel up your chimney and start a wildfire. For this reason, we advise against using indoor woodstoves or fireplaces during periods of HIGH or EXTREME fire danger. REMINDER: Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Can I use a barbecue during shutdown?
Yes. Residents can use their gas or charcoal grills year-round. Please use extra caution and have a water source close by during times of HIGH or EXTREME fire danger, especially when using a charcoal grill and keep your grill away from any combustible material.
Can I mow my lawn during shutdown?
Yes. Residents can use their gas- or electric-powered lawnmowers and trimmers (weed whackers) to cut their lawns. However, if your lawn is dry and dead, we recommend postponing mowing. Have fire suppression available (e.g., a garden hose) and a way to contact 9-1-1.
Can excavators operate during shutdown?
Yes. As long as the excavation is being done on a non-combustible surface such as rock, dirt or mineral soil. Excavating does not include land clearing.
Can I use a chainsaw during shutdown?
Yes. Only on non-combustible surfaces during shutdown. (i.e. gravel, dirt, roadway).