Campfire Ban Comes Into Effect at Noon Today

By 250 News

Fire danger rating was high to extreme throughout most of the province  as of 1:00 yesterday ( map courtesy B.C. Wildfire Management Branch)

Prince, George, B.C.-  Heading into the long weekend,  you are reminded that as of noon today,  all open  burning, including campfires and fireworks, will be prohibited in Prince George  and most regions of the  Province in an effort to help prevent human-caused wildfires and  protect public safety.

The ban is necessary due to dry forest fuels and a forecast for a  prolonged period without substantial rain. The public is urged to exercise caution on forested land with any activity that could lead to a wildfire, that includes  discarding cigarettes carefully and  limiting movement ofATVs and motorcycles through tall grass and undergrowth.

This ban applies to open fires of any size, including campfires, fires with a burn registration number and industrial burning, fireworks, tiki torches and burning barrels.

The ban does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating using briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, as long as the flame is kept under 15 centimetres in
length.

The ban affects the area covered by the Mackenzie, Prince George, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, McBride and Valemount forest districts. Details are available at http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp.  A similar ban is in place in all other  Fire Centres in B.C. with the exception of the  Southeast.

Within this area, the ban covers all BC Parks, Crown and private lands.  A similar ban  declared by Prince George Fire Chief Jeff Rowland extends the ban to areas within the boundaries of the City of Prince George.

Anyone found in violation of an open fire ban, including campfires, may be issued a ticket for $345. Should a wildfire occur as a result of recklessness, a person can be fined up to $1 million or spend three years in prison and be  ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The burning ban will remain in effect until further notice.

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