By Laura Keil
Starting today Fri. Aug 27th at noon, campfires are once again allowed throughout the Robson Valley Zone and throughout the Prince George Fire Centre.
But although fire danger ratings have declined in the region due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the Province says the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire use.
“It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations,” a press release says. “Before lighting any fire, check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.”
While campfires will be allowed, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, which includes the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages. These restrictions will remain in place until October 15, 2021, or until the order is rescinded.
For a map of Fire Centre boundaries, please visit: http://ow.ly/OMn950FFxhm.
A poster explaining the different categories of open burning and applicable regulations is available online: www.gov.bc.ca/openfireregs.
Reminders about campfires:
- A campfire is defined as any fire” smaller” than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide;
- Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material;
- Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil;
- Never leave a fire unattended;
- Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
Other activities which were previously banned, but will now be permitted include:
- The use of tiki and similar kinds of torches;
- The use of chimineas;
- The use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating.
To report a wildfire or an open burning violation, call *5555 on a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555 toll-free.
