Since April 1, the Wildfire Management Branch has responded to 24 wildfires within the Cariboo Fire Centre that have burned about 500 hectares. All of these fires were human-caused and therefore preventable.

These incidents serve as reminders for people to remain vigilant with any open burning or recreational activities where fire is being used, and to ensure that they have plans in place to extinguish any fire that may escape.

To help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public, Category 3 open burning has been prohibited since April 27 throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre. Specifically, this order prohibits fires that burn:

• Material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; or
• Material in one or more piles, each exceeding two metres in height or three metres in width; or
• One or more windrows; or
• Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares (more than 2,000 square metres).

Please refer to the following information bulletin for more information about the current Category 3 prohibition:
http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=2308

The Wildfire Management Branch urges anyone wishing to do any Category 2 open burning to use caution and consider the weather conditions before lighting any fire. Even though the spring may seem like a safe time to burn, there can be significant fire risks at this time of the year. Moisture is present in the soil, but springtime temperatures have been mild and the forest vegetation is generally very dry. Fires can spread very rapidly, especially when driven by wind.

To view the Wildfire Management Branch guide to Category 2 open fires, visit:
http://bcwildfire.ca/Restrictions/BackyardBurning.pdf

Anyone igniting a fire outdoors must take the following precautions:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• 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.
• Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• 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.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *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
• On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

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