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.

Within the Columbia Fire Zone, the public is now permitted to:

• Burn waste, slash or other material.
• Burn stubble or grass.
• Use fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description.

The Columbia Fire Zone is bounded by the Robson Valley Fire Zone in the north, the Rocky Mountains in the east, the Arrow and Invermere Fire Zones in the south and Monashee Mountains in the west. The zone includes the cities of Revelstoke and Golden, as well as the communities of Mica Creek and Nicholson. For a map of the zone, go to http://bcwildfire.ca/ftp/!Project/WildfireNews/9202011~23145_Map%20of%20SEFC2.jpg

Anyone considering a Category 3 fire must obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. Category 3 burns must also comply with the Ministry of Environment's Waste Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. For more information, go to www.bcairquality.ca Individuals who fail to meet these requirements may be subject to fines.

The rescinding of this prohibition applies to 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.

Report a wildfire or unattended campfire by calling *5555 on your cell phone or toll-free 1 800 663-5555.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to http://www.bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca You can also follow the latest wildfire news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo or Facebook http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contact:

Karlie Shaughnessy
Fire Information Officer
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014 (office)
250 304-8352 (cell)