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For Immediate Release
Burn Smart Tips for Campfire Lovers
July 20, 2010, Vancouver, BC - Summer has begun and so has camping season. And when you think of camping, what image comes to mind? Undoubtedly a campfire is somewhere in the mix. However, the simple pleasure of a campfire can become a hazardous one, cautions the BC Lung Association, if some burn smart sense isn’t applied.
“What many people do not know is that wood smoke contains a chemical soup of hazardous substances which can be a real irritant for even the healthiest people, but especially aggravating and even dangerous to the elderly, children, and persons with lung-health problems such as asthma,” says Dr. Menn Biagtan, Program Manager for the BC Lung Association.
The BC Lung Association suggests 10 simple steps British Columbians can take to burn smart:
1. Follow the rules. New BC regulations that shrink the size of legal campfires with the intention of reducing the risk of human-caused wildfires are now in effect. Under the new regulations, campfires cannot be larger than half a metre in height and half a metre in diameter. Previously, campfires were permitted to a maximum size of one metre by one metre.
The new rules also require campers to build a fire guard around their fires by scraping down to the dirt and clearing away potentially flammable debris, such as twigs, leaves and needles. A shovel or at least eight litres of water must be stored nearby to extinguish the fire. Failure to comply with new rules will result in a $345 fine. An additional $345 fine will be levied for campfires lit during a ban.
2. Burn small, hot fires – they produce much less smoke than ones that are left to smoulder.
3. Use small pieces of wood kindling and newspaper to start your fire. Add larger pieces of wood as required.
4. Do not start fires with diesel or other fuel.
5. Never start a fire late in the afternoon – smoke tends to settle near the ground as the air cools at night.
6. Never burn garbage, plastics, cardboard or Styrofoam. Burning garbage releases poisons.
7. Never burn wood that has been taken from salt water. Chlorine combines with the smoke to produce dioxins and furans, which are dangerous carcinogens.
8. Never burn pressure-treated or painted wood, particleboard or plywood. Wood treated with varnishes and sealants, or sprayed with pesticides, contain toxic chemicals.
9. Never leave fire unattended, not even for a few minutes.
10. When campfire time is over, make sure your fire is out!
About the BC Lung Association
A non-profit, non-governmental organization, the BC Lung Association is dedicated to improving lung health and promoting clean air initiatives across the province. Through public awareness campaigns, the BC Lung Association acts as an educational resource for the general public as well as those living with respiratory conditions. The BC Lung Association also specializes in patient support programs, community services and advanced medical research.
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For more information, please contact:
Katrina van Bylandt, Communications Manager, BC Lung Association
T 604.731.5864, or 1.800.665.LUNG (5864)
vanbylandt@bc.lung.ca
Dr. Menn Biagtan, Program Manager, BC Lung Association
T 604.731.5864 or 1.800.665.LUNG (5864)
biagtan@bc.lung.ca