Some people aren’t heeding to the open fire ban in place within the Prince George Fire Centre.
Crews responded to multiple incidents across the local Fire Centre last week as a result of pile burns that were newly lit and/or previously lit and not extinguished before the open burning ban came into effect on March 28th.
Category 2 and 3 open burning is prohibited across the entirety of our region. The public is urged to be vigilant and ensure any pre-existing piles are fully extinguished and to not light any new piles.
This prohibition is in place to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety due to the high grass fire hazard, persistent drought conditions and increased incidence of human-caused wildfires
This means the following is no longer allowed:
- Material in one pile not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width
- Material concurrently in 2 piles each not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width
- Stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares
Campfires half a meter high and wide are still allowed, but fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, and exploding targets are all prohibited.
Anyone found breaking the fire ban can be fined between $1,150 to $10,000 – or if convicted, up to $100,000 / a year in jail.
Planning a backyard campfire? Make sure you're up to date with the latest regulations and forecasts first!
Find fire information on the BC Wildfire website: https://t.co/ai86CvdvTb
Find air quality information on the Environment Canada website: https://t.co/ncab27a7a9 pic.twitter.com/YJAxrLbwuo
— City of Prince George (@CityofPG) March 27, 2024
The ban extends to the following areas:
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- the Prince George Forest District
- the Stuart Nechako Forest District
- the Mackenzie Forest District
- the Peace Forest District
- the Fort Nelson Forest District
The #BCWildfire Service responded to multiple incidents across the Prince George Fire Centre last week as a result of pile burns that were either newly lit or had been left unextinguished before the open burning ban took effect on March 28, 2024. pic.twitter.com/kkWtUgv2N0
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) April 8, 2024