Be careful burning outdoors

With a drying trend in the forecast, the B.C. Wildfire Service is urging people to exercise caution when conducting any outdoor burning.

“As the temperature increase, the grass cures and dries, becoming extremely flammable, especially in windy conditions,” the BCWS said in a press release.

While there are no prohibitions on open burning currently in place in the Prince George Fire Centre, the BCWS said people are still responsible for conducting burns in a safe manner.

“Before lighting any fire, it is advised to monitor the upcoming weather forecast and check with your local governments to see if any local burning restrictions are in place,” the BCWS said.

Anyone conducting an outdoor burn must adhere to the following precautions:

- Ensure that adequate resources are on hand to control the fire and stop it from spreading;

- Never burn in 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;

- 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 wishing to light a Category 3 open fire time by calling 1-888-797-1717. A Category 3 fire is defined as any fire larger than two metres high by three metres wide, three or more concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide, one or more burning windrows or stubble or grass burning over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.