Prince George, B.C. – The BC Wildfire Service has some advice for those heading out camping this Canada Day long weekend: remain vigilant to avoid human-caused wildfires.

“With the arrival of rising temperatures and drier conditions, wildfire danger ratings are climbing in many parts of British Columbia.”

From April 1 to June 27 this year, the provincial agency says its responded to 237 wildfires in B.C. – 165 of which were caused by people.

“Human-caused are completely preventable and unnecessarily tie up crucial firefighting resources that could be used to deal with naturally occurring wildfires.”

Except for a partial campfire ban in the Cariboo (see previous story here), campfires are permitted in most parts of the province.

If you plan on having a campfire, remember the following:

• Campfires must not be larger than 0.5 metres high or 0.5 metres wide.
• Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions.
• Maintain a figurehead round the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials have been removed right down to the soil.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Have a shovel or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish your campfire. Make sure ashes are cold to the touch before leaving for any length of time.
• Anyone who lights a campfire is legally responsible if it escapes.
• Smokers must dispose of cigarette buts and other smoking material responsibly.
• Anyone riding an ATV or dirt bike should have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle.

Larger Category 2 or Category 3 open fires are banned in some parts of the province to reduce wildfire risks and protect public safety. For a list of bans click here.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.