Williams Lake, B.C. – In a bid to prevent human-caused wildfires and to protect public safety, the Cariboo Fire Centre has expanded its campfire ban.

Effective at noon today, campfires will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre. Previously, campfires were only banned in the Chilcotin region (click here to see map).

The BC Wildfire Service says the prohibition will remain in place until the public is notified otherwise.

The full ban comes as the region is experiencing dry conditions and elevated fire danger ratings ranging from “high” to “extreme.”

The prohibition bans the following activities:

• Lighting any open fire of any size
• The burning of stubble or grass over any area
• The use of tiki torches or grass over any area
• The use of fireworks
• The use of sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description
• The use of binary exploding targets
• The use of air curtain burners

These prohibitions do not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel – so long as the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres.

Anyone found in contravention of a ban may be issued a ticket, fine or could face jail time.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation call 1-800-663-5555.