Prince George residents, as of today (June 18), can take part in some popular summer activities that involve fire.
At Noon, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) rescinded its ban on Category Two and Three open fires within the Prince George Fire Centre two months after staff prohibited them for the health and safety of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes:
- Category Two
- One or two concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide
- Stubble or grass burning over an area of less than 0.2 hectares in size
- The use of fireworks, including firecrackers
- Burn barrels and burn cages
- Sky lanterns
- Exploding binary targets
- Always check the ventilation index, follow Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations and practice safe burning
- Category Three
- Any fire larger than two metres high by three metres wide
- Three or more concurrently burning piles each no larger than two metres high by three metres wide
- The burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares
- The burning of one or more windrows
- You must call for a burn registration number ahead of time (1-888-797-1717)
- You must comply with the Environmental Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations
Resource Management Open Fires, also known as prescribed burning, will also be permitted.
According to the BCWS, the province has experienced a large amount of precipitation since the beginning of June which has decreased any wildfire risks.
“While the BC Wildfire Service has developed protocols for staff to safely respond to wildfires and reduce the risk from COVID-19, we ask for the public’s assistance to reduce the likelihood of a forest fire,” a release reads.
“It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe manner in accordance with regulations. Before lighting any fire, it is advised to check with your local governments to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.”
Additional reminders for starting Category Two fires include creating a fireguard around the planned fire site, clear away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material, have an adequate source of pressurized water, never leave a fire unattended and make sure the fire is fully extinguished with ashes cold to the touch before leaving the area.
In terms of Category Three open burning, the BCWS says these fires also require residents to check local venting conditions and to understand all other obligations associated with the province’s regulations.
More information is available on the BC Wildfire Service website.
To report a wildfire or an open burning violation, call *5555 on a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555 toll-free.
