The BC Wildfire Service is encouraging the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities.

Anyone wishing to light an open fire must watch for changing weather conditions and follow all burning regulations to help reduce the number of preventable wildfires. Although there are currently no fire use prohibitions in place for the Cariboo Fire Centre, it is important to conduct all burning activities safely.

Significant fire risks may be present even this early in the spring. Grass and small shrubs are drying out quickly at lower elevations and in valley bottoms, due to warming temperatures and wind activity. Fires in these situations can spread very rapidly, especially when driven by wind.

Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to visit the BC Wildfire Service website and consult the B.C. FireSmart manual: www.bcwildfire.ca/Prevention

Anyone wishing to light an open fire must take the following precautions:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break and help stop the fire from spreading beyond its intended size. Each of these fires should be kept small and must be completely extinguished before starting a new fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area.

Before conducting any open burn, people should check with their local fire department, municipality and regional district to ensure that no open burning restrictions or bylaws are in effect.

Anyone planning to do any large-scale industrial burning, conduct a grass burn over 0.2 hectares, or concurrently burn three or more piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide (Category 3 fires) must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717.

Always check the venting conditions before conducting an open burn. If venting conditions are rated “poor” or “fair”, open burning is restricted. The venting index can be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html

If an open burn escapes and causes a wildfire, the person responsible may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs. It is the responsibility of that individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe manner and in accordance with regulations and any current burning restrictions.

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

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

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

Learn More:

A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online: http://ow.ly/znny309kJv5  

For more information about safe open burning practices, check the BC Wildfire Service website:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions