Public urged to be careful when outdoor burning

Given the current and predicted weather conditions in northern regions of the province, the B.C. Wildfire Service is encouraging members of the public and industry personnel to exercise caution when doing any outdoor burning.

The weather forecast has been calling for increased winds in the Peace region, which will experience low relative humidity and little precipitation. It will not take long for grass to dry out and become flammable, especially in windy conditions.

There are currently no open burning prohibitions in effect within the Prince George Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. However, people wishing to light an open fire must watch out for changing weather conditions and follow all open burning regulations to help reduce the number of preventable wildfires.

They should also take the following precautions:

• Ensure that enough resources are on hand to control the fire and stop it escaping.

• Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.

• Create an appropriately sized fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material, right down to the mineral soil.

• Consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter of the main fire site before lighting the main fire. This will create a fuel break and help prevent the fire spreading beyond its intended size.

• Never leave a fire unattended.

• Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Anyone planning to do large-scale industrial burning or conduct a grass burn larger than 0.2 hectares (Category 3 fires) must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time (at no charge) by calling 1 888 797-1717.

Burn registration numbers are entered in the open fire tracking system, which allows the BC Wildfire Service to track open burning activity throughout B.C.

Anyone conducting an open burn must check local venting conditions before lighting any fire. If the venting conditions in the area are rated “poor” or “fair,” Category 2 and Category 3 open burning is restricted.

The venting index can be obtained by calling 1-888-281-2992, and is also available online at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html

Anyone conducting an open burn must comply with the Wildfire Act and air quality control legislation. If an open burn escapes and causes a wildfire, the person responsible may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs. It is the responsibility of that individual to ensure that burning is done safely and in accordance with regulations and any current burning restrictions.

Check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place before lighting any fire.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1-800-6635555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.