Effective at 4 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, Aug. 15, campfires once again will be permitted throughout the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

The current campfire ban is being rescinded due to cooler weather in the forecast and recent precipitation that has resulted in a decreased wildfire risk in the region.

Anyone lighting a campfire must follow B.C.’s campfire regulations, which include the following:

• The campfire must not be bigger than half a metre wide or half a metre high.
• Flammable material (such a twigs and pine needles) must be removed from around the campfire area and this fuel-free area must be maintained while the campfire is burning.
• A shovel or at least eight litres of water must be available onsite to properly extinguish the fire.
• A campfire must never be left unattended.
• The ashes must be cool to the touch before you leave the area for any length of time.

An existing open fire prohibition will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified. Specifically, prohibited open burning activities include:

• The burning of any waste, slash or other materials.
• Stubble or grass fires of any size over any area.
• The use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels of any size or description.

The open burning prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department. Please check with local authorities for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.

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 responsible may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The Southeast Fire Centre covers the area extending from the U.S.A. border in the south to Mica Dam in the north and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. It includes the Selkirk Natural Resource District and the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District.

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

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

• Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Jordan Turner
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014