The BC Wildfire Service has extended a ban on open burning in the Prince George Fire Centre.
Small campfires - no more than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide - are still allowed as are barbecues and stoves fuelled by propane, gas or briquettes, but anything larger risks a $1,150 fine.
An offender may also face administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, up to $100,000 and a year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs, the BCWS added in a statement.
The ban, which has been in place since July 28, was extended in answer to drought conditions across the area, which includes all of north-central and northeast B.C., from just south of Prince George to the Yukon border.
"Many areas of B.C. have set temperature records in recent weeks, and accumulated rainfall amounts through September were below normal levels," BCWS said.
It also applies to fireworks, air curtain burners, sky lanterns, burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description, and binary exploding targets.
Anyone who lights a campfire is urged to be responsible.
"Avoid having a campfire when it's windy, choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris, and do not leave a campfire unattended for ANY amount of time," BCWS says.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone or use the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
The latest information on fire bans throughout the province can be found on the BC Wildfire Service website.
