Effective at noon (PDT) on Sept. 30, 2014, Category 2 open fires will be allowed in the Cariboo Fire Centre east of the Fraser River but will remain banned in areas west of the Fraser River.

However, Category 3 open fires are still prohibited within the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

East of the Fraser River, the public is now permitted to:

• Burn material in one pile not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width.
• Burn material concurrently in two piles each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width.
• Burn stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.
• Use fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels

A map of the affected area is available online at: http://bit.ly/1mHvDwJ

Anyone who lights, fuels or makes use of a Category 2 open fire must comply with the Ministry of Environment’s Waste Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. The act requires individuals to check local venting conditions prior to ignition. For more information visit: www.bcairquality.ca. Individuals who fail to meet those requirements may be subject to fines. A burn registration number is not required for a Category 2 open fire.

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

The rescinding of the Category 2 open fire prohibition applies to 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.

The Cariboo Fire Centre covers an area of about 10.3 million hectares, stretching from Loon Lake in the south to just north of Quesnel at the Cottonwood River. From east to west, the boundaries stretch from the western edge of Wells Gray Provincial Park to the eastern boundary of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.

Report a wildfire or unattended campfire by calling 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: www.bcwildfire.ca

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Media Contacts:

Sandra Wagner
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Cariboo Fire Centre
250 989-2665