INFORMATION BULLETIN

2010FOR0147-001022 Sept. 1, 2010

Ministry of Forests and Range

 

OPEN FIRES PERMITTED ACROSS THE NORTHWEST FIRE CENTRE

 

SMITHERS – As of 12 noon, Wednesday, Sept. 1, all open fires are now permitted across the Northwest Fire Centre due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

 

            Although open fires are now permitted, the public needs to remain cautious with all burning activities, including campfires. Campfires must 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 the area.

 

Those who are wishing to take part in any backyard burning are reminded to obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717.

 

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation while the burning restrictions were in place. During an unseasonably warm and dry fire season in the Northwest, there were few instances of human-caused wildfires while the burn restrictions were in place. Firefighters and other resources were able to be allocated to lightning-caused fires throughout the Northwest due to the public’s diligence.

 

The rescinding of this prohibition applies to all BC Parks, Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with civic authorities for any restrictions before lighting a fire.

 

The Northwest Fire Centre is responsible for fire suppression and forest protection for an area that stretches from Burns Lake to Haida Gwaii and from Tweedsmuir Park to the Yukon border.

 

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, please call *5555 on your cellphone, or toll-free to 1 800 663-5555.

 

For more information on open fire prohibitions, area restrictions or for updates on current wildfire activity visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

-30-

Media Contact:

Lindsay Carnes Northwest Fire Centre 250 877-9356

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.