After several recent human-caused grass fires in Beacon Hill Park, the City reminds residents that open fires, including campfires, fire rings and debris burning, are not permitted anywhere, anytime in Victoria.
While these fires were reported to the Victoria Fire Department, who put them out before they caused more damage, hot and dry conditions can make fires spread very quickly, even from a small spark.
Driftwood piles, dry grasses and steep slopes can easily ignite and spread fires. Beach fires are a serious risk for residents, pets, nearby homes and coastal ecosystems.
To report a beach or park fire, call 911.
Fines for open fires range from $350 to $10,000.
Each year the Victoria Fire Department responds to hundreds of beach and brush fires, many in areas that are difficult to access. Even small beach fires may require significant firefighting resources, potentially diverting them from other emergencies.
People and pets can be seriously burned by leftover beach fires that are smothered by sand instead of water and remain hot. Smoke from beach fires impacts air quality for people nearby. When burned, salt-saturated driftwood releases carcinogenic dioxins into the air.