Areas west of Williams Lake in the Chilcotin Zone are experiencing very dry conditions with elevated BUI's (Buildup Index).
The Cariboo Fire Centre is urging the public to be cautious with the use of campfires as summer unfolds.
Areas west of Williams Lake in the Chilcotin Zone are experiencing very dry conditions with elevated BUI's (Buildup Index), noted the CAFC in a news release, warning large fuels like logs, stumps, and deep forest litter are extremely dry, making fires burn hotter, deeper, and longer
"Campfires, even after water has been put on the fire and thought to be extinguished, can stay ignited, increasing the risk of holdover fires and escapes. Wind can also carry embers into lighter fuels such as grass and needles, sparking fast-moving fires."
Anyone choosing to have a campfire, is urged to use extreme caution and ensure it is completely out and cold to the touch before leaving.
Campfires are currently permitted throughout the entire Cariboo Fire Centre, however, it is the campfire creator's responsibility to only light a fire if conditions are safe and will continue to be safe.
Anyone choosing to partake in open burning, must adhere to Category 1 Campfire Regulations and ensure that the fire:
- Is no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
- Has a fuel break that is clear of debris and combustible materials.
- Is not lit during windy or unsafe conditions.
- Is fully extinguished and cold to the touch before being left unattended.
More information on the safe use of campfires can be found here: Open fire and safer burning - Province of British Columbia
Category 2 and Category 3 prohibitions and all associated activities remain in effect throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre including the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area.
For more information on the Category 2 and 3 Open Fire Prohibition and a full list of prohibited activities please review the Information Bulletin here: Category 2 and 3 open fire prohibitions coming into effect across the Cariboo Fire Centre – BC Wildfire Service
Penalties
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Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000, or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced for up to one year in jail.
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If your fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, you may be fined up to $1 million and/or sentenced to up to 3 years in jail, as well as be responsible for all firefighting and associated costs.
Reporting
- To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line: 1-877-952-7277 or #7277.
- To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1.
- Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire.
- Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.
Stay in the know
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, prohibitions and restrictions, road closures, and air-quality advisories please visit BCWildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.
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