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 is “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 propane fire pit during a fire ban?
Yes. Residents can use an APPROVED (not home-made) propane fire pit all year long. 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 all year long. CAUTION: Sparks can travel up your chimney and start a wildfire. For this reason, we advise against indoor woodstove / fireplace use during times of HIGH or EXTREME fire danger. REMIDER: 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 all year long. 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 lawnmowers and trimmers (weed whackers) for cutting their lawns. However, if your lawn is dry and dead, we recommend postponing mowing. Have fire suppression available (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).