One of the many perks of being a coastal city is the long stretches of shoreline here that are perfect for long walks on the beach, looking for tide pools, and having a beach fire. Anyone who grew up here, or is a frequent visitor, knows about the nostalgic tradition of having an evening beach fire. Families and friends will gather at popular beaches for a fire and a weenie roast to soak in the fading sunset as the weather gets warmer, but some die-hards do it all year long! In order to keep this long standing tradition safe and respectful, here are few guidelines to follow:
“We’re trying to instill a sense of respect for marine life among our community so that it can be maintained and cherished by future generations.”
Before You Begin
Ensure that there is no fire ban in effect. As the summer heats up so do fire bans, so always check if there are any fire bans in place to ensure you’re good to go. Click here for fire ban restrictions. *Note Campbell River is in the COASTAL fire region.
Fire Safety & Leave No Trace
Congratulations, you’re having a beach fire! Here are a few important safety reminders to ensure you have a safe and respectful fire:
- Keep the fire small – a good rule of thumb is to keep fires smaller than 24 inches (60 centimetres) in diameter.
- Pack out what you pack in. No one likes a litter bug, so don’t be one of those people. It’s really simple – whatever you bring with you, leaves with you! Bring an extra garbage bag or two for any garbage or recycling you might create during your beach hang.
- Put out your fire before you leave. Start by taking a stick and separating all the bigger burning logs to prevent them from burning longer, and then pour water on your fire to put it out. Bring a big water bottle or a bucket with you, to help put out your fire easily. WAIT until you can see there are no more embers burning and the flame is fully out so the fire won’t kick up again.
We hope you find these tips helpful to have a fun and safe beach fire here in Campbell River! Enjoy and stay safe. If you’re looking for some more fun local activities to try, check out our outdoors page here.
