BCWS urges vigilance to prevent wildfires after multiple burn pile incidents in Prince George Fire Centre
Those who don’t follow the ban could face a violation ticket of $1,150, be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Multiple incidents stemming from burning piles over the past week have prompted the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) to remind the public of the fire ban put into place in the Prince George Fire Centre.
The open burning ban on Category 2 and 3 fires went into effect on March 28th and is expected to remain in place until at least mid-October.
The reminder was due to multiple incidents that resulted from pile burns that were newly lit or previously lit and not extinguished before the ban was implemented.
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The BCWS urges the public to be vigilant, ensuring that any pre-existing piles are fully extinguished and not to light any new piles.
“This prohibition is in place to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety due to the high grass fire hazard, persistent drought conditions and increased incidence of human-caused wildfires associated with Category 2 and Category 3 open burning.”
Category 2 fires refer to fires in a pile exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width and stubble or grass over an area that doesn’t exceed 0.2 hectares.
Category 3 fires refer to open fires with material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width, fires with windrows, none of which exceed 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width and fires with Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares.
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The BCWS also says the usage of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels or burn cages, and binary exploding targets is prohibited.
Those who don’t follow the ban could face a violation ticket of $1,150, be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.
The Prince George Fire Centre experienced a record-breaking wildfire season in 2023, with 673 wildfires reported.
The ban began on March 28th at 12 p.m. and will last until October 15th or further notice.
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