Campfires are, once again, allowed throughout the Northwest Fire Centre’s jurisdiction as rain and cooler temperatures have reduced the wildfire risk in northwest B.C.

The use of tiki torches, chimineas, stoves and portable campfire apparatuses that are not CSA-approved or ULC-approved will also be allowed. However, please check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Northwest Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. A map showing the affected areas is available online at: http://ow.ly/tJj230lMivK

Here are some important campfire safety tips:

• Have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish your campfire.
• Campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
• Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can quickly change, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
• Maintain a fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Ensure that the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cool to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

A video showing how to safely light and maintain a campfire is available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma399AtcEQk&

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: 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