The Northwest Fire Centre is encouraging the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities, due to an increased wildfire risk.

As spring progresses, dead grass dries out quickly in snow-free areas due to increased temperatures, wind and a lack of precipitation.

Weather conditions at this time of year are highly unpredictable and can change markedly throughout the day. Anyone wishing to light an open fire must monitor weather conditions and follow all burning regulations to help reduce the number of preventable, human-caused wildfires.

FireSmart activities are encouraged at this time of year to mitigate interface wildfire risks and there is a safe way to conduct backyard burning. Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at: www.bcwildfire.ca/Prevention  - consult the B.C. FireSmart manual and take the following precautions:

• 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.
• Ensure that enough people, tools and water are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Create a fireguard at least one metre in diameter around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break and help prevent 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.
• Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area for any length of time.

Before conducting a burn, check with your local fire department, municipality and regional district to find out 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 prior to 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.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html

In British Columbia, the Wildfire Act specifies a person’s legal obligations when using fire in or within one kilometre of forest land or grassland. If an outdoor burn escapes and causes a wildfire, the person responsible may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs.

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.

Up-to-date information on burning restrictions and current wildfire activity can be obtained online at: http://www.bcwildfire.ca or by calling 1 888 3-FOREST.

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

You can also follow the latest wildfire news:

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

Media Contacts:

Olivia Pojar
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639