The Cariboo Fire Centre is expecting windy conditions this weekend and urges the public to follow all open burning prohibitions and to use caution when participating in recreational activities.

Despite the green-up of grasses, the forest floor is still dry. The fire danger rating is “moderate” throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre with some pockets of “high.”

Category 2 and Category 3 fires have been prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre since April 4, 2016. Campfires are allowed, but the public is urged to use caution.

These prohibitions are in place to reduce the number of preventable wildfires. Human-caused fires take valuable resources away from naturally-occurring wildfires and other wildfires burning throughout the province.

Before lighting a campfire, you must have a shovel or at least eight litres of water nearby to extinguish the fire. Ensure that your campfire is completely out and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time. Anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike should check the condition of the muffler, stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grasses and weeds.

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Members of the public have an important role to play in wildfire prevention. The public is urged to help play their part by following open fire prohibitions in their area and by reporting wildfires or illegal open burning.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.

For up-to-date information on burning restrictions or current wildfire activity, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3-FOREST.

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

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