Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson is urging all British Columbians to do their part this year to help prevent wildfires and reduce fire risks, including using FireSmart principles to help protect homes and communities.

Many parts of British Columbia are experiencing unseasonably warm and dry conditions this spring. BC Wildfire Service crews have responded to 59 wildfires since April 1, 2016, almost all of which were caused by people.

Fire prevention is a shared responsibility of the B.C. government, local governments, industry, stakeholders and individuals. Wildfires caused by people unnecessarily divert firefighting crews and resources from naturally occurring fires.

Homeowners are encouraged to safeguard their properties from wildfire threats by using FireSmart principles. By reducing the amount of flammable material around their homes and providing more open space where firefighters can work, private property owners can help slow the spread of an approaching wildfire.

The recently updated FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires. It contains lots of fire prevention tips and is available online at: http://bit.ly/1RQXFzd

The B.C. government thanks the public for its ongoing assistance in preventing and reporting wildfires. Anyone who spots a wildfire, unattended campfire or burning violation should immediately call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

Up-to-date information about current wildfire activity and burning restrictions is available online at: 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

Quote:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson –

“Individual British Columbians play a vital role in wildfire prevention and in protecting their communities from wildfire damage. I encourage everyone to do their part by using fire responsibly, following the rules and working with their neighbours to FireSmart their properties.”

Quick Facts:

• Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
• Many wildfire-related fines were increased on April 1, 2016. Details are available online at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=2602

Learn More:

Open burning and campfire guides: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Poster explaining open burning categories: http://bit.ly/1GlhE9l

Factsheet on wildfire prevention: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/forests-lands-and-natural-resource-operations/factsheets/factsheet-forest-fire-prevention-is-everyones-responsibility.html

Fire prevention tips: http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/