Smoke may be visible north of Canim Lake, near 100 Mile House, due to large-scale industrial burning that’s currently underway to clear out wood debris and reduce wildfire risks in the area.

As of noon on Sept. 9, 2016, Category 3 fires were once again allowed throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, due to a decreased wildfire risk in the region. The Category 3 open burns north of Canim Lake are being carried out in the following areas:

• Boss Creek Road
• Spanish Creek Forest Service Road
• 6300 Road
• Dietrich Creek Road
• Lang Lake Forest Service Road

Piles of logging debris can create a significant wildfire risk if they’re not disposed of responsibly. The controlled burning of such piles when weather, site and venting conditions are favourable helps mitigate this threat. Category 3 burning is expected to continue in this area for the next month.

Category 3 fires include:

• fires that are larger than two metres high by three metres wide
• the burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares
• the burning of three or more fires concurrently (with individual burn piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide)
• one or more burning windrows

Anyone who lights, fuels or uses a Category 2 or Category 3 open fire must comply with the Environmental Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Anyone who wishes to light or make use of a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717.

To learn more about open burning categories, fire bans and fire restrictions, please visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions

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

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