A ban on small-scale open burning - or Category 2 fires - will be lifted effective Saturday in the Prince George Fire Centre's jurisdiction.
But be careful.
"Although fire danger ratings have dropped in the region due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to exercise caution with any outdoor burning or campfire use," the B.C. Wildfire Service said Friday.
"Anyone who lights a fire must ensure that it is done in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with open burning regulations. Before lighting any fire, people should check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place."
The ban had been in place since May 17 and had also applied to burn barrels and burn cages, air curtain burners, binary exploding targets, sky lanterns, fireworks, including firecrackers, stubble or grass fires over an area smaller than 2,000 square metres.
Anyone planning to burn a pile larger than two metres high by three metres wide, or conduct a grass burn larger than 0.2 hectares (Category 3 fires), must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time, by calling 1 888 797-1717.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one 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.
For more information about fire-related fines and penalties, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirefines
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit http://www.bcwildfire.ca