Dousing the flames of a forest fire            photo courtesy BC Wildfire Mgmt Branch

Prince George, BC – Despite cooler, wetter weather, those heading out camping on this long weekend are being urged to take care with their campfires.

While the BC Wildfire Management Branch has lifted campfire bans throughout the province, officials are reminding people that diligence is required with any open fire.

"It’s important to use fire carefully.  Once you start a campfire, you are legally responsible for making sure it doesn’t escape and that it is completely extinguished before you leave the area," says Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson.

Earlier this month, the Prince George Fire Centre issued a reminder to area residents after finding abandoned campfires at recreation sites south of the city.

Some tips to remember:  bring a shovel or have at least eight litres of water nearby to properly extinguish a campfire, don’t light a fire in windy conditions, and keep a one-metre fireguard free of flammables around your firepit.