Going camping over the long weekend? Remember the rules around campfire safety.

Although large-scale open burning is now prohibited in many regions of the province, small, contained campfires are currently permitted in all six B.C. fire centres. Detailed information about burning restrictions in B.C. is available on the Wildfire Management Branch website at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Here's some important information about campfire use:

• Always find out if any open burning prohibitions are in effect on the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca
• If campfires are allowed in your area, bring a shovel or keep at least eight litres of water nearby to properly extinguish your campfire.
• Campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter.
• Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• You must maintain a one-metre fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Make sure that the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time. Also ensure that cigarette butts are properly extinguished and are not tossed away carelessly.
• You may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if your negligence results in a wildfire.

Natural resource officers will be patrolling campsites and recreation areas over the weekend to ensure that people are following campfire safety regulations.

Quote:

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

"It's important to respect the use of fire. Once you start a campfire, you are legally responsible for making sure it doesn't escape and that it is completely extinguished before you leave the area."

Quick Facts:

Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

• The Province thanks the public for its help in preventing wildfires. To report a wildfire or an unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or call *5555 on your cellphone.

Learn More:

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

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261 Kevin Skrepnek
Provincial Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 312-3051