Dear Editor:
I felt I needed to respond to a recent letter to the editor about not being allowed campfires in B.C. parks (It's Not Really Camping Without a Campfire, July 27). For the past 11 years my family has camped in a jewel of a state park in Washington State, where indeed, there are campfire bans. We know that due to the risk of wildfires, we cannot have a wood campfire. Hence, this year, we purchased a propane campfire so we can enjoy the evenings in front of the flames (and roast marshmallows) without the threat of a wildfire.
Unfortunately two weeks ago we were evacuated from our beloved campsite due to a severe fire storm, caused by lightning. As we drove away, we saw the massive fire envelope the surrounding area. Two hours later, the campground was in flames, and almost completely destroyed, along with many homes in the area.
Perhaps the writer should do as the Ministry of Forests has done, and carefully consider the potential for wildfires in our parks, and respect the decision to put a fire ban in place. Once a fire starts, for whatever reason, it's potential for devastation is extreme.
Sherry Heard
West Vancouver
