The BC Wildfire Service would like to remind the public that Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited in the Boundary, Arrow, Kootenay Lake, Invermere and Cranbrook fire zones due to current and forecasted weather conditions, and to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online at: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32

Specifically, this prohibits:

• 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 or cages
• binary exploding targets and air curtain burners

A map of the areas affected by the Category 2 and Category 3 open fire prohibitions is available online at: http://ow.ly/G4iR30fFIKE

While this prohibition does not ban campfires that are 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide or smaller, anyone lighting a campfire must follow B.C.'s campfire regulations, which include the following:

• The campfire must not exceed the permitted size of 0.5 metres wide by 0.5 metres high.
• Flammable material (such a twigs and pine needles) must be removed from around the campfire area and this fuel-free area must be maintained while the campfire is burning.
• A shovel or at least eight litres of water must be on site to properly extinguish the fire.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• The ashes must be cool to the touch before you leave the area.

This prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department. Please check with local authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to Mica Dam in the north, and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. It includes the Selkirk Natural Resource District and the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

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