The Prince George Fire Centre received multiple reports about three grass fires in the Peace Region this week. All of these fires were human-caused.

Continuing dry and windy conditions and forecasted sunny and dry conditions next week will increase the risk of wildfire in the Peace Region. Members of the public are urged to exercise caution when doing any outdoor burning.

As the snow melts, it does not take long for the exposed grass to dry out and become flammable, especially in windy conditions. Most wildfires at this time of the year occur when people conduct open burns when it is unsafe to do so.

Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to visit the Wildfire Management Branch website - www.bcwildfire.ca/Prevention - consult the B.C. FireSmart manual and take the following precautions:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard 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.

Before lighting any fire, check with the local fire department, municipality and regional district to see if any open burning restrictions or bylaws are in effect.

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 1 888 797-1717.

Always check the venting conditions before conducting an open burn. If venting 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

Quick Facts:

• Currently there are no open burning restrictions within the Prince George Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, but the public is urged to be extremely cautious when using fire outdoors.
• For the latest information on burning restrictions, check: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp
• Since April 1, 2014, Wildfire Management Branch crews have responded to three wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre, contributing to a provincial total of 27 wildfires.
• To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellphone or 1 800 663-5555.

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Media Contacts:

Jillian Kelsh
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Prince George Fire Centre
250 565-6129 (office)
250 961-4176 (cell)