Most wildfires are human caused, and as we have seen in the past weeks, they are only getting worse in Canada due to climate change. Campfires in provincial and national campgrounds, including wilderness camping areas, are unnecessary and harmful in many ways. Campers do not need them for cooking as people use some type of cook stove. Campfires can spark wildfires, cause air pollution, and are harmful to human health for those breathing in the smoke (even if it's not your campfire). They can damage adjacent structures and camping equipment as well as clothing. They unnecessarily burn wood. Some campgrounds offer propane campfire pits for rent as an alternative to wood campfires, and this could become universal for those who want to have a campfire but do not wish to purchase their own propane pit. Wood campfires in all BC Parks and National Parks should be permanently banned.
Why is this important?
We all need to work together to help reduce wildfires and pollution and banning wood campfires permanently is one way to do this. It doesn't mean we have to give up having campfires, as propane fire pits are readily available, and can provide the same warmth and ambiance of a wood fire without the associated environmental and health problems.
