The BC Wildfire Service is urging people to use caution when conducting an open burn.

Category 2 and 3 fires are permitted in the Northwest Fire Centre (NWFC). However, conditions are still very dry and fires can spread quickly if proper precautions are not taken.

The NWFC strongly recommends people wait until the region gets some precipitation before lighting a Category 2 or 3 fire.

Ground layers and forest debris remain very dry. In the backcountry, fires can easily be sparked. Waiting for precipitation before lighting Category 2 and 3 fires will reduce the chances of a fire escaping due to embers landing on combustible material nearby.

Anyone who lights a Category 2 or 3 open fire must comply with the Environment Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. These require people to check local venting conditions prior to lighting a fire and ensure that conditions are favourable for burning. If conditions are rated "poor" or "fair" in the area, open burning is restricted. Local venting conditions can be obtained by calling 1 888 281-2992 or checking online: www.bcairquality.ca/readings/ventilation-index.html

It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner. The BC Wildfire Service asks people to take the following precautions with any permitted outdoor burning:

• Ensure enough people, hand tools and water are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly. The wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fuel break around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible materials.
• Make sure that your fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Anyone planning to burn a pile larger than two metres high by three metres wide or conduct a grass burn larger than 0.2 hectares (Category 3 fire) must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717. A Category 2 fire does not require a permit and is classified as one to two concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide, or a grass fire under 0.2 hectares.

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150. If your fire escapes and results in a wildfire, you may be fined anywhere from $100,000 to $1,000,000 and be sentenced to one year in jail. For more information about fire-related fines and penalties, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirefines

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, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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