Current weather conditions allow private landowners, BC Wildfire Service personnel and industry partners to reduce wildfire risks by burning piles of wood debris.

Over 1,665 burn registration numbers have been issued in the Kamloops Fire Centre in recent weeks, which means that these burning projects may occur until open fire restrictions come into effect again next spring. People living near burning operations may see and smell smoke during these periods.

However, burning is permitted only on days when the venting index indicates that there is good ventilation and the smoke will disperse quickly.

Anyone conducting open burning must comply with the Ministry of Environment’s Waste Management Act and open burning smoke control regulation. They cannot burn toxic, prohibited materials such as tires, plastics, construction and demolition waste, treated and painted wood, or rubber. Venting index information and tips about safely burning material outdoors is available online at: http://www.bcairquality.ca/topics/burning-outdoors.html

Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. Category 3 fires are fires that:

• burn material piled more than two metres in height or three metres in width; or
• burn stubble or grass over more than 0.2 hectares; or
• burn more than two piles of any size; or
• burn one or more windrows.

When a member of the public reports smoke, burn registration numbers are used to identify active and compliant burn operations so BC Wildfire Service officials can respond appropriately.

These burning regulations apply to all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but do not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department.

Information on open burning, burn categories and current fire prohibitions is available on the BC Wildfire Service website at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp 

For the latest information on burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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