Category 3 open fires are once again permitted throughout the Southeast Fire Centre as wildfire risk eases in the region.
The BC Wildfire Service rescinded the prohibition at noon Pacific time Friday, Sept. 18.
Category 3 open fires include burning material in three or more piles at the same time, with each pile no more than two metres high and three metres wide. They also include one or more piles exceeding those dimensions, windrows up to 200 metres long or 15 metres wide and stubble or grass burning over more than 0.2 hectares.
Air curtain burners and carbonizers are also permitted.
The BC Wildfire Service said recent weather has reduced wildfire risk in the region but people conducting open burns should continue to take precautions.
Anyone planning a Category 3 burn must obtain a free burn registration number before lighting a fire. Registration is available through the province’s online burn registration form or by contacting the burn registration office.
The wildfire service said a registration number is not a burn permit and people should check with their local government or other jurisdictional authority for additional bylaws, restrictions or permit requirements.
Open burning must comply with the Wildfire Act, Environmental Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. People conducting burns must also check local venting conditions and determine the smoke sensitivity zone for the burn site.
The BC Wildfire Service recommends having enough people, water and tools available to control a fire and advises against burning during windy conditions. Combustible material should be cleared around a burn site and fires should never be left unattended.
Fires must be fully extinguished and ashes cold to the touch before the site is left unattended.
Anyone who violates an open fire prohibition can face a $1,150 ticket or an administrative penalty of $10,000. A conviction in court can result in a fine of up to $100,000 or up to one year in jail.
A person whose fire causes or contributes to a wildfire can face a fine of up to $1 million or up to three years in jail and may also be responsible for firefighting and associated costs.
Wildfires, unattended campfires and open-burning violations can be reported by calling *5555 from a cellphone, calling 1-800-663-5555 or through the BC Wildfire Service app.
