The public is reminded that burning prohibited materials, such as tires, plastics, drywall, demolition waste or treated lumber, can result in hefty fines.

On May 4, 2011, Avery Dean Shoaf of Celista, B.C. pleaded guilty to a $575 violation ticket for burning a large pile of prohibited materials, including waste from a demolished building. Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations compliance staff issued the ticket last April, after being informed of the incident by the Celista Fire Department.

Government bans certain items from burning to prevent the release of dangerous toxins into the environment. For information on recycling or disposal options, check out the Recycling Council of British Columbia at http://rcbc.bc.ca/. For a complete list of prohibited materials, go to http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/topics/dont-burn-backyard.html.

The maximum penalty for burning banned substances is $1 million under the Environmental Management Act. In addition, convicted parties could spend up to six months in jail.

Open burning of non-prohibited materials, such as untreated wood and yard waste, is also regulated by municipal bylaws, the Wildfire Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. For advice on planning legal burns, contact your local government, visit http://bcwildfire.ca/Restrictions/BackyardBurning.pdf, or call the Kamloops Fire Centre at 250 554-5500.

Contact:

Cheekwan Ho

Government Communication and Public Engagement

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

250 356-5261

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