Campers are being urged to take steps to prevent wildfires as they head out into the forests this Canada Day long weekend.
Campfires are currently permitted in most parts of the province, although a ban is now in place west of the Fraser River and throughout Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park in the Cariboo Fire Centre.
Anyone who lights a campfire is legally responsible for making sure it doesn't escape and could be held accountable for the cost of damages and fire suppression if it sparks a wildfire.
Here are some tips for keeping campfires under control:
- Campfires must not be larger than 0.5 metres high or 0.5 metres wide.
- Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
- Maintain a fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Have a shovel or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish your campfire. Make sure that the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
Also, anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike should have a spark arrestor installed and check the condition of the muffler, regularly clear build-ups of grass or other vegetation from hot spots on the vehicle,. Stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grass and weeds to reduce wildfire risks.
And smokers must dispose of cigarette butts and other smoking material responsibly, making sure that these materials are completely extinguished.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. To report suspicious activities, environmental damage or a natural resource violation, call 1 877 952-RAPP (7277) or *7277 on a cellphone.
