INFORMATION BULLETIN

2010FOR0146-001015 Sept. 1, 2010

Ministry of Forests and Range Prince George Fire Centre

 

OPEN BURNING PERMITTED WITHIN PRINCE GEORGE FIRE CENTRE

 

PRINCE GEORGE – Effective immediately, open burning is permitted across the Prince George Fire Centre’s jurisdiction due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

 

However, the public is reminded that burning material in piles larger than two metres high and three metres wide, or burning a grassed area larger than 2,000 square metres, requires a burn registration number. To obtain a number, call 1 888 797-1717.

 

Campfires must also not be larger than 0.5 metres wide or 0.5 metres tall. Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool, such as a shovel, or at least eight litres of water nearby to fully extinguish it. Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure ashes are completely cold to the touch before leaving an area.

 

The lifting of open fire bans applies to all Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have open fire bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with civic authorities for any restrictions before lighting a fire.

 

There are currently no access restrictions in place within Prince George Fire Centre boundaries, however, areas impacted by forest fires may still be hazardous due to falling trees, dangerous snags and ash pits. The public is encouraged to exercise caution.

 

The Prince George Fire Centre’s jurisdiction stretches from the Yukon and Northwest Territories to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, the Cottonwood River and Robson Valley in the south, and from the Alberta border west to the Skeena Mountains.

 

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, please call *5555 on your cellphone or toll-free to 1 800 663-5555. For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca.

-30-

 

Media Contact:

Joyce Poulin Prince George Fire Centre 250 565-6990 250 961-4176 (cell)

 

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.