BC Wildfire Services reminds PG-area residents about open burning ban

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:

• • 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