Prince George, B.C. – Forecasted winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour starting today and continuing through tomorrow in Vanderhoof, Prince George, Mackenzie and the Peace River areas has prompted a warning from the BC Wildfire Service.

Fire information officer Amanda Reynolds says the high winds will bring erratic wind-direction changes and therefore is encouraging the public to use caution with any outdoor burning.

“Anyone wishing to light an open fire must watch for changing weather conditions and follow all burning regulations in order to reduce the number of preventable wildfires, and take the following precautions:”

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. Weather conditions change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to touch before you leave the area for any length of time.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter to create a fuel break and help prevent the fire from spreading beyond its intended size.

Campers are also legally responsible for making sure their campfire doesn’t escape and could be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if their negligence results in a wildfire.

To date, there have been 18 wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre burning 42 hectares of forest.