Category two and three fires will be banned in the Prince George Fire Centre — which includes the Prince George, Mackenzie and the entire Robson Valley — as of Sunday, June 8. The ban will stay in effect until Oct. 15, or until the order is rescinded, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
Campfires which are less than half a metre high by half a metre wide are not affected by the ban. Fires larger than this are banned.
Additionally, the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and binary exploding targets — explosives used for shooting practice — are banned.
BCWS decided to issue the ban due to high grass fire hazard, ongoing drought conditions and an increased likelihood of human-caused wildfires due to category two and three fires, the Service said.
Individuals who violate the open fire ban may face fines of up to $1,150, according to the press release about the ban. Additionally, if a prohibited fire leads to a wildfire, the person responsible may have to cover the full cost of firefighting and damage to Crown resources.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cell phone or call the toll-free number 1-800-663-5555. Individuals can also file reports on the BCWS mobile app.
This story originally appeared in The Rocky Mountain Goat
