Is it sunny? Or is it raining? Only one thing is for certain - the B.C. Day long weekend is around the corner and people will be heading outdoors, so be sure to check open burning restrictions at your destination before you light that campfire.

While some open burning is still allowed in the Northwest, Prince George and Cariboo Fire Centres, the public is reminded to exercise caution.

No matter what type of burning you are doing, whether it is to clean up your backyard or roast marshmallows, make sure that you have enough people, tools and water nearby to keep the fire under control. Even in cooler conditions, it is best to play it safe and keep practising campfire safety. Never light a fire in windy conditions and always completely extinguish the fire before leaving the area.

Where restrictions are in place, compliance and enforcement officers will be ensuring people are following the Province's regulations. Failure to comply with open burning regulations can result in a $345 ticket. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness can be fined up to $1 million and/or spend three years in prison.

• Since April 1, a total of 195 out of 272 fires - about 72 per cent - across the province have been person-caused.
• Compliance and enforcement officers will be out over the long weekend throughout the province. They not only look for people ignoring campfire regulations, but also watch for camping etiquette and respect for others, site clean-up of garbage and litter, and responsible off-road vehicle use.
• Public education is a large part of a compliance and enforcement officer's job.
• We rely on the public to help spot new fires. Report smoke and flames by calling *5555 on mobile phones or 1 800 663-5555.
• For more information on open fire restrictions in your area, check: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp
• 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 afterward.
• Stay on authorized roads, trails and designated motorized vehicle areas.

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

Contact:

Alyson Couch
Provincial Fire Information Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 312-3051