In April 2015, a small fire occurred near the Punta del Este viewpoint on the Diez Vistas Trail. Fortunately, the damage was limited, but it was a good reminder of how vulnerable the dry forest, moss, and vegetation around Buntzen Ridge can be.
The photographs and short video below show the burn area shortly after the incident.
No open fires are permitted at Buntzen Lake. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas at South Beach and North Beach, which means smoking is not permitted on the Diez Vistas Trail or other hiking trails. Charcoal and briquette barbecues are also prohibited.
The April 2015 Diez Vistas Fire
BC Hydro was notified of a fire on the Diez Vistas Trail on 20 April 2015. After the area was assessed and some rain fell the following day, the trail reopened on 22 April.
I hiked the trail that day to see the area for myself. The fire had occurred near the Punta del Este viewpoint at the east end of Buntzen Ridge. The visible damage appeared to be relatively limited, with moss and low vegetation affected.
Burned moss and vegetation near Punta del Este in April 2015.
Another view of the small burn area on Buntzen Ridge.
Why Fire Is a Serious Risk on Buntzen Ridge
The Diez Vistas Trail passes through forest, moss, dry organic material, and exposed ridge areas that can become very dry during extended periods of warm weather.
Even a small ignition source can become dangerous under the wrong conditions. A cigarette, open flame, or unattended fire can spread into surrounding vegetation, particularly during dry summer weather.
The safest approach is simple: do not smoke, light fires, or use any open flame on the trail.
No Campfires or Open Fires
BC Hydro does not permit open fires at Buntzen Lake. This includes campfires on or near the hiking trails.
Charcoal and briquette barbecues are also prohibited. Propane barbecues are permitted only in appropriate recreation areas when there is no active fire ban, but they are not something you should be carrying onto Diez Vistas or using along the trail.
Smoking Restrictions
Smoking is not permitted throughout the Buntzen Lake recreation area except in designated smoking areas at South Beach and North Beach.
That means smoking is not permitted on Diez Vistas, the Buntzen Lake Loop, Lakeview Trail, or the other hiking trails.
Respect the Area
Fire prevention is only one part of looking after the Buntzen Lake area. Stay on established trails where practical, do not damage vegetation, pack out anything you bring with you, and leave natural and historic features where you find them.
Buntzen Lake receives a lot of visitors, and small actions by many people can have a large cumulative effect on the surrounding forest and trails.
Video of the Burn Area
This short video shows the burn area near Punta del Este and the view toward Eagle Ridge shortly after the trail reopened in April 2015.
If You See a Wildfire
If you see a wildfire or behaviour that could start one, report it as soon as possible by calling 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 from a mobile phone.
For current fire restrictions, wildfire information, and recreation-area notices, check the BC Hydro Buntzen Lake recreation page before heading out.