With sunny and warm conditions expected throughout most of the province this weekend, Wildfire Management Branch officials are encouraging the public to be vigilant with their campfire use.

Remember that campfires cannot be larger than a half-metre wide by a half-metre tall. You must also create a one-metre, debris-free ring around the fire and have a shovel or at least eight litres of water available nearby to extinguish it properly.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Always ensure that the campfire is completely out and the ashes are cool to the touch before leaving the area.

Person-caused fires continue to make up a significant percentage of the most costly fires in B.C. This year alone, 32 campfires have escaped and become wildfires.

Compliance and enforcement officers will be on patrol this weekend to ensure that people are following campfire safety regulations.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"Many B.C. residents will be heading out with friends and family this long weekend to enjoy our province's beautiful campsites and spectacular backcountry. I encourage them to review the campfire regulations and have a fun and safe weekend."

Minister of Justice Shirley Bond -

"I encourage everyone who is planning to spend time outdoors this long weekend to be extra cautious with campfires and follow the rules and regulations."

"Even though it has been a relatively quiet forest fire season so far, people should not become complacent about campfire use."

Quick Facts:

• Report smoke or flames by calling 1 800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
• Anyone caught contravening a fire prohibition can be fined up to $345 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.
• Since April 1, fire crews have responded to 670 fires throughout the province, 324 of which were caused by people.

Learn More:

For a video on campfire safety, visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkEXGaKl7s8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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

You can also follow the latest B.C. wildfire news -

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contact:

Fionna Tollovsen
Fire Information Officer - Provincial Wildfire Management Branch
Ministry of Forests Land and Natural Resource Operations
250 312-3051