Taking effect Friday, May 22 several fire related activities will be prohibited in the Southest Fire Centre in order to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.
The ban includes the burning of any waste, slash or other materials; stubble or grass fires; the use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels or cages; the use of binary exploding targets and the use of air curtain burners.
Individuals burning Category 2 and Category 3 open fires must extinguish them by noon on May 22, and the prohibition will remain in place until further notice.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Wildfire Management Branch noted that the prohibition does not apply to the boundaries of local government that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are services by a fire department. BC Parks, Crown land and private lands, however, are covered by the ban.
According o the ministry’s press release, “The Southest Fire Centre is experiencing drier-than-normal conditions and an elevated fire hazard. These prohibitions are being put in place due to current weather conditions and the long-range forecast.”
Campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide or smaller along with cooking stoves using gas, propane or briquettes can continue to be used.
Anyone found violating the fire ban may be issued of ticket for $345 and, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 or sentenced to one year in jail.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.