The Northwest Fire Centre wants the public to be extra cautious with any burning, because of the warmer weather that is forecasted for the region.

Although it has been a quiet forest fire season so far, it is important that people are not complacent with their campfires and open burning this weekend. Currently the fire danger rating is "low" to "moderate" in the southern half of the fire centre, with "moderate" to "high" fire danger north of Meziadin junction. With warm, dry weather expected to continue through the weekend, fire danger can be expected to increase throughout the region.

Burning should be done away from adjacent branches, wood and other combustible materials and there should be plenty of water and a shovel on hand to control the fire. Never burn in windy conditions as sparks could easily be carried to start new fires.

Anyone planning a large-scale industrial burn (Category 3) must call 1 888 797-1717 and obtain a burn registration number ahead of time. More information is available at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Venting conditions should always be 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.bcairquality.ca/readings/ventilation-index.html.

Burning should not be done if local air flow will cause the smoke to negatively affect nearby communities or residences. For more information on the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/reports/agttobsc.html.

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

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at: 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 Contact:

Suzanne Pearce
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639