At noon on Sept. 10, campfires were allowed throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre's (CFC) jurisdiction.
However, the burning of waste or slash piles is still prohibited.
The CFC is rescinding its campfire prohibition due to cooler and wetter conditions and a decreased wildfire risk in the region.
The following activities will be allowed:
• campfires no larger than a half-metre wide by a half-metre high;
• an open fire in an outdoor stove;
• fireworks, sky lanterns and tiki torches; and
• the use of burning barrels, burning cages and air curtain burners (forced air burning systems)
Anyone who lights a campfire must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable debris from around the campfire site and have a hand tool, such as a shovel, or at least eight litres of water available to fully extinguish it.
Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure that the ashes are completely cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
The public is also reminded to never light or keep a campfire burning in windy conditions. Regardless of the situation or conditions, always use caution when using fire.
Open fires
Category 2 and Category 3 open fires continue to be prohibited throughout the CFC's jurisdictional area. The following activities are prohibited:
• the burning of any waste, slash or other materials; and
• stubble or grass fires of any size over any area.
These prohibitions cover all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but do not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department.
Check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.
To report a wildfire, abandoned campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity and open burning restrictions, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1-888-3-FOREST (336-7378).