Category 2 open burning will again be allowed throughout the Prince George Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, effective at noon on Friday, June 7, 2019.

A map showing the affected areas is available online: http://ow.ly/GSmp30oTGJe

Although fire danger ratings have dropped in the region due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, people are strongly encouraged to exercise caution with any outdoor burning or campfire use.

It is the responsibility of the individual who lights a fire to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with open burning regulations. Before lighting any fire, people should check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.

The following activities will also be allowed within the Prince George Fire Centre’s jurisdiction as of noon on June 7:

• the use of burning barrels and burning cages
• the use of air curtain burners
• the use of binary exploding targets
• the use of sky lanterns
• the use of fireworks, including firecrackers
• stubble or grass fires over an area smaller than 2,000 square metres

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 fires) must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717. A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online: http://ow.ly/znny309kJv5

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs. 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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