Effective at noon on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, open fires will once again be allowed throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Members of the public will be permitted to:

• Burn piles of woody debris.
• Burn stubble or grass.
• Use fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels.

The lifting of the current fire prohibition in the Cariboo Fire Centre 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 any fire.

Of the 157 wildfires that have occurred in the Cariboo Fire Centre so far this season, 82 were caused by people.

Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to take the following precautions with outdoor burning activities:

• Have enough people, water and tools on hand to prevent the fire from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions.
• Locate the fire site away from buildings, trees and other combustible materials.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Ensure the fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Anyone lighting a fire must ensure that they conduct the burn safely and responsibly, as outlined in the Wildfire Act and its regulations. If an open fire escapes and is determined to have caused a wildfire, the person(s) responsible may be liable for fire suppression costs and damages.

Anyone who wishes to light a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. A Category 3 open fire is a fire that burns material in piles larger than two metres high and three metres wide, or that burns stubble or grass over an area larger than 0.2 hectares.

Always check local venting conditions prior to igniting any open fire. For more information about the Ministry of Environment’s Venting Index, visit http://www.bcairquality.ca/readings/ventilation-index.html or call 1 888 281-2992.

More information about open burning, burn categories and current fire prohibitions is available on the Wildfire Management Branch’s website at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Report a wildfire, non-compliant open burning or unattended campfire by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

Learn More:

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

Media Contacts:

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

Emily Koch
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Cariboo Fire Centre
250 989-2665