A campfire ban was put in place on Sunday, July 7 at Sloquet Creek FSR Recreational site.
The ban is specific to the camping grounds as campfires are currently permitted in the region. Hosts decided banning fires would protect public safety. They cited “extreme heat and dry conditions” at the site as their reasons for pursuing this course of action. The site is sacred to the Xa’xtsa people, (also called the Douglas First Nation). Members manage the site in partnership with Recreation Sites & Trails BC.
Andrew Enns made the announcement in the Sloquet Hot Springs Facebook group. He suggested guests bring propane fire pits instead. Enns also pleaded with visitors to treat the site with the respect it deserves.
“Please do not use the fire rings/pits as a place to put garbage,” he said. “Pack your garbage out instead!”
Concerns have been raised over the amount of garbage at the springs in recent months. Read more about the site here.
Both the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and Village of Pemberton (VOP) announced campfire bans on Monday, May 13.
With sunshine and hot weather in the forecast, the risk of wildfires is rising. Stay up to date on the latest wildfire situation at bcwildfire.ca.
