Effective at noon PDT on Sept. 20, 2016, Category 2 open fires will once again be permitted throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, due to a decreased risk of wildfire in the region.
At the same time, Category 3 open fires will once again be permitted in the Columbia Fire Zone. However, Category 3 open fires will remain prohibited in the Arrow Fire Zone, Boundary Fire Zone, Cranbrook Fire Zone, Invermere Fire Zone and Kootenay Lake Fire Zone.
Category 2 burning allows for up to two concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide, or the burning of stubble or grass over an area of less than 0.2 hectares. Category 2 open burning also allows for the use of fireworks, burn barrels, exploding binary targets and sky lanterns.
Category 3 open fires include: fires that are larger than two metres high by three metres wide; the burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares; the burning of three or more fires concurrently with individual burn piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide; and one or more burning windrows
Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The BC Wildfire Service is asking people to take the following precautions with any permitted outdoor burning: ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and to prevent it escaping; do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires; create a fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material; never leave a fire unattended; and make sure that your fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area for any length of time.