Campfire ban lifted in northeast B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Prince George Fire Centre’s (PGFC) campfire ban has officially been rescinded across northern B.C., including the Peace region.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) initiated the category one ban in the PGFC in early September amid rising temperatures and dry conditions.

Two weeks later, it was rescinded across much of the PGFC coverage area, but remained in effect in the Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson fire zones.

According to a new announcement, the campfire ban is being lifted in those areas on Wednesday, October 1st at noon.

At the same time, category two and three burning prohibitions are being lifted elsewhere in the province, although those restrictions will remain in effect in the Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Dawson Creek fire zones.

That means the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and binary exploding targets will continue to be banned in the Peace region, but tiki torches, chimineas and outdoor stoves without Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) ratings can now be used.

Unless lifted early, category two and three fires will remain prohibited in the Peace region and Fort Nelson fire zone until October 15th at noon.

Violating BCWS prohibitions could lead to jail time or fines up to $100,000.

The BCWS is reminding residents to exercise caution with campfires, keeping them small, supervised and fully extinguished before leaving.

The public is also encouraged to report wildfires or unattended campfires by calling 1-800-663-5555, dialing *5555 on a cell phone or using the BCWS app.

For the latest updates on bans and restrictions, visit the BCWS website.