The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that the use of fireworks is banned in the Southeast Fire Centre, as part of the Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions implemented earlier this year to help reduce wildfire risks.

Setting off fireworks is considered to be a high-risk activity, since they can easily ignite forest fuels and start a wildfire that could threaten public safety.

Category 2 and 3 open burning prohibitions include:

• the burning of any waste, slash or other materials
• stubble or grass fires of any size over any area
• the use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels of any size or description
• the use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for rifle target practice)
• the use of air curtain burners

These prohibitions do not ban campfires that are smaller than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide and they do not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes. A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online at: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32

These prohibitions cover 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. Please check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

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.

The Southeast Fire Centre encompasses the area extending from the United States border in the south to Mica Dam in the north, and from the Okanagan Highlands or Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. The Southeast Fire Centre includes the Selkirk and Rocky Mountain natural resource districts.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, 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, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

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