Effective at noon (MDT) on Monday, Sept. 9, open fires will be permitted within the Columbia Fire Zone, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

However, open fires are still prohibited within the rest of the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction, with the exception of campfires.

Within the Columbia Fire Zone, the public is now permitted to:

• burn waste, slash or other materials

• burn stubble or grass

• use fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels

The Columbia Fire Zone is bounded by the Robson Valley Fire Zone in the north, the Rocky Mountains in the east, the Arrow Fire Zone and Invermere Fire Zone in the south, and the Monashee Mountains in the west. The Columbia Fire Zone includes the communities of Revelstoke, Golden, Mica Creek and Nicholson.

A map of the affected area is available online at: http://bcwildfire.ca/ftp/!Project/WildfireNews/Southeast_Prohibition_20130905.pdf

Information on open burning, burn categories and current fire bans is available on the Wildfire Management Branch's website at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Anyone who wishes to light a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. Category 3 burns must comply with the Ministry of Environment's Waste Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Individuals who fail to meet those requirements may be subject to fines. For more information, visit: www.bcairquality.ca

The rescinding of the open fire prohibition in the Columbia Fire Zone applies to 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. Check with civic authorities for any other 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 fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can follow the latest wildfire news -

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

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

Media Contacts:

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

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