Campfire prohibition rescinded in Prince George Fire Centre

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — The Category 1 open burning ban in the Prince George Fire Centre, which includes the Peace region, was lifted at noon on Friday.

A Category 1 fire, or campfire, is an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

Precautions are required to be in place when lighting or using a campfire, such as access to a shovel or eight litres of water, a fuel break around the fire, and fully extinguishing the fire before leaving.

Category 2 and Category 3 open burning remains prohibited, as well as fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, burn cages and binary exploding targets.

Prohibitions apply to all public and private lands unless otherwise specified, such as in a local government bylaw.

Anyone found violating an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and jail time.

If the violation causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be required to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1-800-663-5555, *5555 on a cell phone or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

For the most up-to-date information on prohibitions, visit the BC Wildfire Service’s bans and restrictions website.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, there are currently 53 active wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre and 394 across the province.