Know Before You Go

Until further notice, all open burning, including campfires, are banned in the City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach, and the surrounding fire protection areas.

The ban applies to open fires of any size, campfires, fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, tiki torches, burning barrels and binary exploding targets. This ban has been implemented by the local Fire Chiefs in conjunction with the ban implemented by the Coastal Fire Centre covering Vancouver Island and the south coast.

Beach fires are not permitted at any time in the Parksville Qualicum Wildlife Management Area which includes the entire waterfront area in the Parksville Fire Protection Area. Because Parksville beaches are provincial jurisdiction, beach fires should be reported to the RAPP line (Report All Poachers and Polluters) at 1 877 952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the Telus Mobility Network.

Reporting should be as follows: Fire emergency (threat to lives and/or property) - 911; Open fire in the Parksville Fire Protection Area - 250-248-3242; Beach fires (RAPP line) - 1-877-952-7277.

The ban does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes or to portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating using briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel that cannot produce a flame longer than 15 centimetres. Portable campfire apparatus that does not meet these conditions are prohibited.

For the latest information on fire restrictions in the Parksville Fire Protection Area, visit parksvillefirerescue.ca or follow the Parksville Fire Department on Twitter and Facebook. For information on provincial wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website. To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile phone.

The tourism industry in Parksville Qualicum Beach continues to undertake responsible business practices to help conserve water, and we’re asking our guests to do the same by following these simple tips that can make a big difference:

• Take a shorter shower
• Reuse towels and linens
• Flush the toilet only when necessary
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
• Where possible, keep a jug of cool water in the fridge instead of running the tap
• When dining out, consider ordering water by the glass, instead of carafe, to avoid waste

Every drop counts, and by recognizing our shared responsibility, together, we can support and protect the communities and resources that we love.

Take more time to plan your visit. Many businesses and services across BC are encountering staffing shortages forcing them to operate at a reduced capacity, with limited hours, or require advanced bookings. Remember, everything may take longer than usual, or places may be closed if you don't check in advance. Have a Plan B researched and ready in case your first choice isn’t possible. We ask everyone to be patient as we address staffing shortages and train new staff.

No matter what outdoor activity you are planning, you must be prepared. Remember to follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials. AdventureSmart is a great resource to get informed before heading outdoors.

When exploring BC’s outdoors, always leave it in a better state than when you arrived.

Learn about the key principles of Leave No Trace, a set of seven guidelines for enjoying the outdoors responsibly while minimizing your impact on the landscape. Tip: Visit LeaveNoTrace.ca to learn more about responsible outdoor recreation.

The British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association has created a great resource for camping etiquette, here: CampersCode.com. The Camper's Code has 9 rules that are really easy to follow. When all campers follow them, these good things happen:

• Camping continues to be enjoyable for all
• Nature remains pristine and beautiful
• People camping in the same area become friends
• Animals stay wild and free