Effective at noon today, Oct. 15, 2012, campfires and all open fires will be permitted across the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717 and must comply with air quality control legislation. A Category 3 fire is a fire that burns: material piled more than two metres in height or three metres in width; or stubble or grass over more than 2,000 square metres; or more than two piles of any size.

A person who lights a fire must have sufficient personnel, water and tools on hand to stop the fire from escaping.

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.

The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to Mica Dam in the north and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. This includes the Selkirk and Rocky Mountain districts.

Report a wildfire or unattended campfire by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to http://www.bcwildfire.ca. You can also follow the latest wildfire news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo or Facebook http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contact:

Fionna Tollovsen
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
250 312-3051