With hot and dry weather expected to continue in many parts of B.C. over the long weekend and well into next week, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson is reminding the public to obey any campfire bans or open fire prohibitions in areas where they live or visit.

On average, nearly half of all wildfires are caused by human activity and can start from something as small as a carelessly discarded cigarette butt. Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle users should ensure that they are using an approved spark arrestor and avoid parking on grass or at sites where the exhaust system is near combustible material.

If a campfire is permitted in your area, it’s important to take the following safety precautions. You may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if your negligence results in a wildfire.

• Bring a shovel or keep at least eight litres of water nearby to properly extinguish your campfire.
• Campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter.
• Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• You must maintain a one-metre fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Make sure that the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

To find out if there are fire bans in your area, visit: http://bcwildfire.ca/

Please also check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

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

Quote:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

“If you’re out in the backcountry or visiting B.C.’s beautiful parks on the long weekend, it’s crucial that you adhere to any fire prohibitions that are in place. Wildfires can ignite quickly in these weather conditions and could damage our forests, homes and communities.”

Quick Facts:

• Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, may 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 be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Learn More:

For the latest information on wildfire 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 Contacts:

Kevin Skrepnek
Provincial Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 312-3051