Heart-shaped Tofino beach fire sparks wildfire safety controversy

A couple in Tofino celebrated their love on social media by having a fire on Chesterman Beach in the shape of a heart, much to the disappointment of others.

“He said he wanted to do something cute to show how much he loves me then he did this,” reads a caption within the video.

The heart-shaped flame proceeds to ignite around the couple, burning what the video’s creator Ashley Smeeth says is a combination of paper towel and gasoline.

@ashleysmeeeth How cute is he tho? ???? #bestboyfriend #cutemoments #fireonthebeach #tofino #britishcolumbia #couplegoals #couplelove #couplestiktok ♬ Wreckage - Nate Smith

The video was posted on TikTok on August 7 and has amassed hundreds of thousands of views and likes, but it has seen mixed reception in the comment section.

Many voiced their opinions on how cute the display of affection seemed, others wondered about smoke inhalation, and some TikTok users felt opposed to the idea of having a beach fire during B.C.’s worst recorded wildfire season.

“This is incredibly dangerous, illegal, and disrespectful – there is a burn ban there,” one user said.

“Disrespectful to the wildlife and the community,” another added.

Smeeth posted two follow-up videos that saw much of the same mixed reception.

BC Wildfire Service Fire Information Officer Jade Richardson confirmed that the service was aware of the incident, and says the Tofino Fire Department responded to it.

As she explains, the B.C.’s Coastal Fire Centre — which includes much of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island — is under a category 1 fire restriction, which includes the ban of campfires and “open flame of any sort.”

“The fire danger is in a period where people — having seen some rain — may feel like there’s a little bit more of a safeguard to use different types of fire or to push the boundaries of that prohibition,” Richardson said.

“Despite the change in weather that we’re seeing very slightly right now, it has not changed that prohibition. It’s really imperative that, even with the rainfall we have received, people continue to follow the prohibitions and really take care of the backcountry and the forest and all the beautiful lands in B.C. that we’re lucky to use and live on.”

Richardson adds that many people coming to visit places like Tofino call the BC Wildfire Service for clarity on what fire activity is or isn’t allowed in specific areas.

She says anyone who sees any non-wildfire prohibited fire activity can call 1-877-952-7277 to make a report to conservation officers.