To reduce the risk of fire during wildfire season Whistler Fire and Rescue Service will restrict or ban certain types of work when the Fire Danger Rating is High or Extreme.
Construction restrictions in effect: construction restrictions take effect as soon as the Fire Danger Rating changes to HIGH or EXTREME. Construction restrictions are applicable to all high-risk construction activity in the interface area (within 10 metres of the forest). You can check our Fire Danger Rating gauge on the right for the current level of fire danger in Whistler.
Construction Restrictions: When in a HIGH Fire Danger Rating, all high risk construction activity in the interface area (within 10 metres of the forest) shall cease at 1300 hours each day and a minimum two-hour fire watch is required after construction ceases. When in an EXTREME Fire Danger Rating, all high risk construction activity in the interface area (within 10 metres of the forest) shall cease and a minimum two-hour fire watch is required after all other (non high risk) construction ceases.
Find out more about the Fire Danger Rating. Check the BC Wildfire Service’s Current Fire Danger Rating and forecast. Whistler’s fire danger rating is listed as “Cheakamus”. Please note that the forecast data is highlighted in blue, and the actual data is usually posted mid-afternoon. The actual data may or may not confirm the forecasted data.
Water Conservation Stages: Approved construction exemptions and tree services exemptions are only permitted to be used during Water Conservation Stages 1 and 2. Approved construction exemptions and tree services exemptions are NOT PERMITTED during Water Conservation Stage 3, as site exemption mitigation measures could compromise the low municipal water supply during that stage.
Get updates about Water Conservation Stages.
HIGH
If the Fire Danger Rating is HIGH, these regulations apply:
All high risk construction activity in the interface area (within 10 metres of the forest) shall cease at 1300 hours each day and a minimum two-hour fire watch is required after construction ceases.
Examples of high risk activity may include, but are not limited to:
Preparation or use of Explosives
Excavating
Drilling
Grinding
Hot works such as welding
Mechanical Brushing or Land Clearing
Trenching
Using Fire or Spark Producing Tools, Including Cutting Tools
Using or Preparing Fireworks or Pyrotechnics
The following activities may continue after 1300 hours during a High fire danger rating:
Work inside a structure (excluding hot works such as welding)
Work with non-powered hand tools
Heavy-duty equipment or small engines may continue to work in areas around a site where they are not within 10 metres of the interface.
Construction activity may resume to a regular schedule only after the fire danger falls to Moderate or Low.
EXTREME
If the Fire Danger Rating is EXTREME these regulations apply in addition to the regulations for HIGH Fire Danger Rating above:
All high risk construction activity in the interface area (within 10 metres of the forest) shall cease.
The following activities may continue during an Extreme fire danger rating:
Work inside a structure (excluding hot works)
Work with non-powered hand tools
Heavy-duty equipment or small engines may continue to work in areas around a site where they are not within 10 metres of the interface.
As explained in the regulations, all other work shall maintain a minimum two-hour fire watch after construction ceases.
High risk construction activity may resume to the 1300 hour schedule when the fire danger falls to High.
All construction restrictions shall be lifted when the danger rating is at Moderate or Low.
EXEMPTIONS:
In accordance with Fire Bylaw 2201, 2019 all Interface Construction Restriction Exemption applications will be subject to a non refundable site inspection fee of $150.
Applications may take up to a maximum of 7 business days to process. Site exemptions are not approved until the application form has been signed and approved by an issuing officer.
Application Process;
Please remit payment using one of the following methods if you have a Canadian Bank account:
If your bank does Automatic deposits, use Interac E-Transfer through your online banking and email to finance@whistler.ca. Please note your Application address & Construction Exemption in the Message Area
By cheque at the Municipal Hall front door drop box or by mail to 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0X5
To pay by credit card please email finance@whistler.ca to arrange payment over the phone. A 2.2% credit card fee applies.
Submit completed application form and proof of payment to Whistler Fire Rescue Service via the drop box at Municipal Hall, or by email to fire@whistler.ca
Whistler Fire Rescue Service will contact you by telephone to schedule an inspection of your work site.
Please note, applications may take up to a maximum of 7 business days to process. Site exemptions are not approved until an application has been signed by an issuing officer from Whistler Fire Rescue Service.
Exemption permits must be posted onsite at all times.
WFRS Construction Exemption Application
WFRS Construction Exemption Application – Tree Services
Please refer to the WFRS Interface Construction Regulations for further information.
For any questions, contact Whistler Fire Rescue Service.
Contact
For emergencies, dial 911.
Non-emergency contact:
Whistler Fire Rescue Service
4325 Blackcomb Way
604-935-8260
fire@whistler.ca
Office hours Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
