Campfires will once again be allowed throughout the Prince George Fire Centre's jurisdiction.
The ban, which has been in place since the start of the month, will be lifted effective at noon today, the B.C. Wildfire Service said.
However, a prohibition against any fires larger than a half-metre wide by a half-metre tall will remain in place. The same goes for fireworks and firecrackers.
The prohibition applies to all provincial parks, Crown lands and private lands but not within the boundaries of a municipality that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department.
As well, anyone lighting a campfire must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable debris from around the campfire site and have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available nearby to extinguish the fire. The person must also make sure that the campfire is completely out and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
The fire danger rating in most areas of the centre ranged from low to moderate thanks to the recent cooler, wetter weather.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined 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.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
