BC Wildfire Service has issued a full, open fire ban in the Coastal Fire Centre of British Columbia, which includes Cortes Island. Since Aug. 4, the fire ban has included category 2 and 3 open fires, campfires, fireworks, burn barrels and tiki torches. 

CKTZ spoke with David Ives, fire chief for Cortes Volunteer Fire Department, about the nature of a "total open fire ban" and different activities, including motor use.

“Currently, there's… no ban on any off-highway vehicle use or small motor use. Just make sure that when you're refueling in an area that is non-combustible, such as gravel. If you have an ATV…make sure the spark arresters are in place. Always be careful of where your exhaust is at. If it's in that finer browner, flashy fuel, that can be a fire risk.”

The fire chief recommends a popular alternative this summer.

“With the temperatures as they are, go to the beach—enjoy the water!"

Hear more details about the current fire ban below: