Effective at noon Pacific time on Oct. 13, 2017, Category 3 fires will once again be permitted within the Columbia Fire Zone in the Southeast Fire Centre, due to a decreased risk of wildfire in that region. Category 2 open fires have been allowed in the Columbia Fire Zone since Sept. 30.

A map of the affected area is available online at: http://ow.ly/NypT30fQ4jZ

However, Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions will remain in effect for the Boundary, Arrow, Kootenay Lake, Invermere and Cranbrook fire zones, since those areas have not received as much rainfall. A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online at: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32

Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire in areas where they are allowed must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. A burn registration number is not required to light a Category 2 open fire in areas where they are allowed.

Local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place, so people should always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size.

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. The act requires individuals to check local venting conditions prior to lighting a fire and ensure that conditions are favourable for burning. Local venting conditions can be obtained by calling 1 888 281-2992 or visiting: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/

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 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 cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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