For islanders planning for s'mores over May long weekend, the BBQ may have to do.
Bowen’s fire rating rose to high over the weekend.
This means no open campfires anywhere on-island, no tiki torches or fire crackers, only propane BBQs can be used, and chainsaw use and blasting and excavation with large machinery is restricted.
“Forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts,” reads the fire warning. “Extreme caution must be used in any forest activities. Open burning and industrial activities may be restricted.”
Much of B.C. is at moderate or high fire danger, with pockets of extreme in the interior.
This comes as Bowen’s municipal water systems entered stage 1 water restrictions earlier this month.
Stage 1 allows for surface and power washing, car and boat washing with a spring-loaded shut off nozzle and watering flower and vegetable gardens. However, islanders can only water their lawns three days a week.
Though relief for dry conditions could be in sight: the Weather Network forecast calls for five days of rain in the coming week.
So maybe a campfire could roast those s'mores afterall (but they may be a little soggy).
