The province has announced a prohibition on Category 2 and Category 3 open burning across the Prince George Fire Centre.
The order extends to geographic boundaries, encompassing both public and private lands within the Prince George Forest District, Stuart Nechako Forest District, Mackenzie Forest District, Peace Forest District, and Fort Nelson Forest District, said BC Wildfire in a March 20 statement.
As part of this ban, BC Wildfire Service is asking all individuals engaged in activities involving Category 2 and Category 3 open burning within the restricted area to cease immediately and extinguish any ongoing fires.
The use of following materials, and substances, including fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, or burn cages, among others is also prohibited.
However, campfires (Category 1) measuring a half-metre high by half-metre wide or smaller, as well as the use of cooking stoves utilizing gas, propane, or briquettes, are not covered by this prohibition.
This decision to impose a prohibition on open burning arises from a comprehensive assessment of wildfire hazards, taking into account factors such as drought conditions, prevailing and projected weather patterns, resource availability for firefighting efforts, and the Buildup Index (BUI).
This prohibition is being implemented to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety due to the high grass fire hazard, persistent drought conditions and increased incidence of human-caused wildfires associated with open burning.
Violators may face a range of penalties, including violation tickets up to $1,150, administrative penalties of up to $10,000, or fines reaching $100,000 and/or one year imprisonment if convicted in court. Furthermore, individuals found responsible for contraventions leading to wildfires may be liable for all firefighting and associated costs, along with potential damages to Crown resources.
To ensure compliance and report any instances of wildfires, unattended campfires, or open burning violations, the public is urged to utilize the dedicated hotline at 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free), *5555 on a cell phone, or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.