Mechanical brushing, rail grinding and mechanical land clearing will not be allowed in the Comox Valley Regional District after today at 12 p.m.
The CVRD says its fire departments have enacted their high-risk activities bylaw. The ban applies to all properties within the CVRD’s fire protection areas, which include Oyster River, Fanny Bay, Hornby Island, Union Bay and Denman Island.
Activities that can produce sparks are banned. These also include clearing and maintaining rights of way and operating a power saw, mechanical tree falling and welding in a cut block.
A full list of prohibited activities can be found here.
Oyster River fire chief Bruce Green says the measures are necessary because of the drought conditions.
“Our spring has already been very hot and dry, which makes it even more important to protect our community, property and beautiful landscapes around us,” said Green.
“Within all areas of the Comox Valley including Hornby and Denman Islands, all high-risk fire activities are now banned until further notice. This ban expands on the existing campfire ban along with the smoking ban, which applies within all CVRD regional parks.”
The district also asks you to learn more about taking steps to protect your home from fire by visiting its FireSmart page.