If you’re camping anywhere in BC this Canada Day weekend, you’ll be able to roast those marshmallows over a campfire.
“Campfires are permitted throughout the entire province,” says Fire Information Officer Amanda Reynolds. “We’re just reminding people that, if you are going to have a campfire, you follow the following safety measures, including making sure your campfire doesn’t exceed half a metre by half a metre, making sure you have a shovel or at least 8 litres of water available to properly extinguish your campfire.”
While campfires are allowed, Category 2 and 3 fires are banned in many areas of the province. Local governments may have their own restrictions in place so be sure to check with local authorities before building your fire. Breaking a fire ban could land you a $1,150 ticket at the very least.
Recent rains have decreased the risk of wildfires throughout much of the Prince George Fire Centre.
“We’ve got a variety of conditions,” says Reynolds. “We’ve got some moderate to high areas up in the north and with the rain that’s expected this weekend, conditions are moderate to high in the southern parts of the Prince George Fire Centre as well.”
The forecast for the weekend is for cool conditions with the possibility of rain but areas of the Peace are expecting thundershowers. Reynolds says it’s important to follow common sense when dealing with changing weather conditions.
“First and foremost, never leave a campfire unattended and, if conditions are windy, make sure that you do put that campfire out because embers could fly and they could get into forested areas and potentially start a wildfire.”
Natural Resource and Conservation Officers will be conducting patrols throughout the province over the weekend so make sure you pay attention to the rules and regulations.
You can find detailed information on burning restrictions here.