Effective at noon May 2, 2011, open fires will be restricted within the Cariboo Fire Centre's jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public. The restriction will remain in effect until Sept. 30, 2011, or until further notice.

Specifically this ban prohibits:

* Burning any waste, slash or other materials piled or un-piled at a size larger than one metre by one metre.

* Burning stubble or grass over any area or size.

* Using fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description.

This restriction covers all BC Parks, Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with civic authorities for any restrictions before lighting a fire.

The Cariboo Fire Centre is currently experiencing dry conditions and an elevated fire hazard. Since April 7, 2011, there have been 11 fires; all were human-caused. Please ensure fires are not lit or kept burning during windy conditions, that adequate tools, water and people are on hand to contain a fire, and that fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Anyone found in contravention of an open fire ban may be issued a ticket for $345, or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The Cariboo Fire Centre covers an area of about 10.3 million hectares, stretching as far south as Loon Lake to just north of Quesnel at the Cottonwood River. From east to west, the boundaries stretch from the western edge of Wells Gray Provincial Park to the eastern boundary of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Updates on restrictions and bans are available at http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire please call *5555 on your cell or toll-free

1-800-663-5555. For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca. You can also follow the latest wildfire news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo.

Media Contact:

Jenny Fremlin

Fire Information Officer

Wildfire Management Branch

Cariboo Fire Centre

250 989-2665

jenny.fremlin@gov.bc.ca

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect