Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, campfires will once again be permitted throughout the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, due to decreased wildfire risks in the region.

At the same time, Category 2 open fires will once again be permitted in the Columbia Fire Zone only. Larger Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. A map of the affected areas is available online: http://ow.ly/fVNX30lNvIM

The following activities remain prohibited in the Boundary, Arrow, Kootenay Lake, Invermere and Cranbrook fire zones:

• Category 2 open fires, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation
• stubble or grass burning of any size
• the use of air curtain burners (forced-air burning systems)
• the use of sky lanterns
• the use of fireworks, including firecrackers
• the use of burn barrels or burning cages of any size or description
• the use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for target practice)

The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for its continued support, vigilance and co-operation during this challenging fire season.

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: 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

A poster about campfire regulations is available online: http://ow.ly/MBJg30fcYBD

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