An open burning prohibition has been in effect in the Southeast Fire Centre since July 8 and will remain in effect until Sept. 20 or until the public is otherwise notified.

The public is reminded that, despite recent rain and a drop in temperatures, this prohibition is being enforced across the entire Southeast Fire Centre.

Specifically, it prohibits:

• The burning of any waste, slash or other material.

• The burning of stubble or grass fires of any size over any area.

• The use of fireworks, sky lanterns, or burning barrels of any size or description.

Open burning prohibitions are implemented to help prevent human-caused wildfires and to protect public safety. 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.

The prohibition does not restrict campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide or smaller, and it does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.

Anyone lighting a campfire must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable material from around the campfire area and must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available nearby to properly extinguish the fire. Make sure that that the campfire is completely out and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

This prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments. Please check with civic authorities about any other fire restrictions before lighting a fire.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 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

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

Media Contacts:

Karlie Shaughnessy
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014

Jordan Turner
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4056