The Northwest Fire Centre is asking the public to be extra cautious with campfires because of a forecast of continued warm and dry weather.

Over the weekend, fire wardens extinguished four abandoned campfires that were found during routine patrols. The Northwest Fire Centre finds this concerning, given the current Fire Danger Rating and the potential for these abandoned campfires to start wildfires.

The Northwest Fire Centre would also like to remind the public that all open fires are prohibited, with the exception of campfires.

Although campfires are allowed, they must not be larger than 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres in size. People lighting a campfire must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable debris from around the campfire area and must have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available nearby to properly extinguish the fire.

Campfires should not be lit or kept burning during windy conditions. Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure that the fire is completely extinguished and the embers are cold before leaving the area.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo or on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contact:

Stephanie Little
Assistant Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 877-1010