Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson is reminding the public to exercise caution when conducting outdoor burns this spring.

Effective at 12 noon on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, all open fires will be permitted in the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at 12 noon on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, backyard burning will be permitted within the Southeast Fire Centre due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective noon Sept. 21, 2011, all open fires will be permitted across the Columbia Fire Zone due to a decreased risk of wildfires. However, open fires remain prohibited within the rest of the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction, with the exception of campfires.

A large number of abandoned campfires and above-normal temperatures across the Southeast Fire Centre have fire officials urging hunters and recreationalists to be extremely careful with campfires in the backcountry.

While the fire danger rating has dropped in some areas of the Southeast Fire Centre, parts of the Arrow fire zone and the entire Boundary fire zone are experiencing an increased fire danger rating.

Fire wardens and other fire officials will be patrolling the Southeast Fire Centre this weekend to ensure campfire safety and compliance.

These patrols will target high-risk areas and ensure enforcement within areas such as Boundary and Christina Lake, where 26 abandoned campfires have been found this season.

Construction of the new $2-million Arrow Fire Zone Primary Attack Base is now complete, bringing wildfire staff and equipment into one location.