Effective at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, open burning will once again be permitted throughout the Prince George Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

Cooler temperatures and precipitation in much of the Prince George Fire Centre have lowered wildfire risks and allowed the burning prohibitions to be lifted.

Although clearing and burning activities can help mitigate interface wildfire risks, any open burning must be done safely. Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to visit the BC Wildfire Service website at www.bcwildfire.ca/Prevention and 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 the fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Before conducting any burn, check with your local fire department, municipality and regional district to see if any other open burning restrictions or bylaws are in effect.

The Prince George Fire Centre extends from the borders of the Yukon and Northwest Territories in the north to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Cottonwood River and Robson Valley in the south, and from the Alberta border in the east to the Skeena Mountains in the west.

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, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

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