The regulations, introduced last summer, state that campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter (approximately a foot-and-a-half by a foot-and-a-half) and a shovel or at least eight litres of water must be stored nearby to completely extinguish the fire. If a metal campfire ring is not available, a fireguard must be built by scraping down to the dirt and clearing away potentially flammable debris, such as twigs, leaves and needles.

Failure to comply can result in a $345 fine; an additional $345 fine can be levied if a campfire is lit during a ban. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness can be fined up to $1 million or spend three years in prison and be held responsible for suppression costs.

Quick Facts:

• Since April 1, crews around the province have responded to 176 wildfires, of which 147 have been human-caused and 25 lightning-caused. These fires have burned a total of 11,475 hectares.
• Over the May 24th long weekend there were 139 patrols in seven of the eight regions of the province. Five abandoned campfires were discovered and 12 tickets were issued by Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations compliance and enforcement officers.
• To report a wildfire or unattended campfire call *5555 on your cell or toll-free 1 800 663-5555.
• With more than 1,300 recreation sites and 800 trails to enjoy, recreation sites offer an affordable family experience - the vast majority are free and only about eight per cent have a small user fee.
• Pack-in, pack-out - what you bring to a recreation site should be taken home afterwards.
• Stay on authorized roads, trails and designated motorized vehicle areas.

Learn More:

• Check http://www.bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca/ for information on wildfires, area restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories.
• You can follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo and Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
• ind a recreation site or trail near you: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/
• Join the backcountry community on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BCRecSitesandTrails
  
  

Media Contact:

Cheekwan Ho
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

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