The focus may be on the province's northeast corner but the risk of a wildfire erupting in the Prince George area remains high, a B.C. wildfire prevention branch spokeswoman said Friday.
"With our current weather situation, things are dry," Prince George Fire Centre information officer Amanda Reynolds said. "We haven't had precipitation."
Light rain is forecast for the weekend but Reynold said it will not enough to lower the danger rating, particularly since the weather is expected to return to warm and sunny.
Although a ban on large-scale industrial open burning has been rescinded, a ban on smaller-scale burning remains in place.
Campfires are allowed, but they can be no more than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide. Campers are also advised to never leave a campfire still burning and to keep a shovel and water on hand for quick dousing.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and 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.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.
