Effective at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 3, the open burning prohibition in the Cariboo Fire Centre will be rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Although open fires will be permitted throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre, the Wildfire Management Branch is asking the public to remain vigilant with any type of fire use, including open burning and campfires.

Despite the recent cool and wet weather, the fire danger rating can quickly change to "high" or "extreme".

Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to take the following precautions with outdoor burning activities:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly and wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard of at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break and help stop the fire from spreading beyond its intended size. Each of these fires should be kept small and must be completely extinguished before starting a new fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended and make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area.

There have been 68 person-caused wildfires in the Cariboo Fire Centre this season, out of a total of 307 fires.

If you are planning to do any large-scale industrial burning or conduct a grass burn over 0.2 hectares (Category 3 fires), you must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 800 797-1717.

Venting conditions should always checked before conducting an open burn. If conditions are rated "poor" or "fair", open burning is restricted. The venting index can be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html

In British Columbia, the Wildfire Act specifies a person's legal obligations when using open fire on or within one kilometre of forest land or grassland. If an outdoor burn escapes and causes a wildfire, the person responsible may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs.

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket of up to $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 ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The Cariboo Fire Centre stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton north to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel, east to Wells Gray Provincial Park and west to Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park.

To report a wildfire, non-compliant open burning or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, conditions and restrictions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

British Columbia residents and homeowners are encouraged to read the B.C. FireSmart Manual at: http://bcwildfire.ca/FightingWildfire/Safety/pamphlets/FireSmart-BC4.pdf

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Media Contact:

Greig Bethel
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Cariboo Fire Centre
250 989-2665
Greig.Bethel@gov.bc.ca