BC Wildfire Service warns ‘spring dip’ to brings burn bans to Prince George Fire Centre next week

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service has issued a notice to expect burn bans and restrictions starting next week due to ongoing warm temperatures and dry conditions. 

According to a press release from the BC Wildfire Service on May 1st, the Prince George Fire Centre is now assessing the need for burn prohibitions.

“Both category two and three prohibitions are expected to be implemented early next week,” the release stated. 

Category two fires are defined by the service as being material in a pile up to two metres tall and three metres wide, two piles of the same measurements or stubble or grass over an area not exceeding 0.2 hectares or 2,000 square metres.

Category three fires are deemed to be burns of three or more piles of concurrently burning material up to two two metres in height and three metres wide, one or more piles exceeding the aforementioned measurements, one or more windrows not exceeding 200 metres in length and 15 metres wide, or stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares or 2,000 square metres.

“Forecasted warmer temperatures and drier conditions in the Prince George Fire Centre may contribute to higher risk during burning.”

An annual period in early spring the service refers to as the “spring dip” brings an increased risk of wildfires.

If residents of the region are planning spring campfires or to clean up burns around their properties, they are asked by the BC Wildfire Service to check fire prohibitions before lighting, create a wide fuel break devoid of flammable debris and never leave a fire unattended. 

“You must have eight litres for a campfire and a fire suppression system for a category two open fire. When you are done burning, make sure the fire is out, and [the] ashes are cool to the touch,” the BC Wildfire stated.