Effective at noon Pacific Time on Oct. 7, Category 3 open fires will once again be permitted in the Southeast Fire Centre, due to a decreased risk of wildfire.

Although all categories of open fires are now permitted throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, the BC Wildfire Service is asking the public to remain vigilant with any fire use.

Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to take the following precautions when conducting any outdoor burning:

• Ensure that enough people, water, tools, equipment and a fire suppression system are on hand to control the fire and to prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Establish an adequate fuel break around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area for any length of time.

Anyone planning to conduct Category 3 fires or large-scale industrial burning must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time 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

In British Columbia, the Wildfire Act specifies a person’s legal obligations when using open fire on or within one kilometre of forest land or grassland. To review the wildfire act, please visit: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/04031_01

Anyone who lights, fuels or uses a Category 2 or Category 3 open fire must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. They also must check local venting conditions before conducting an open burn. If conditions are rated “poor” or “fair”, open burning is restricted. The venting index can be found at: http://ow.ly/hASm304TQxa

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:

• Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo  
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