On Oct. 31, 2014, open burning was allowed throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre (CFC) due to a decreased risk of wildfires.
Members of the public will be permitted to:
• Burn piles of woody debris;
• Burn stubble or grass; and
• Use fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels.
The lifting of the fire prohibition in the CFC jurisdiction applies to all BC Parks, Crown land and private land, but does 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 authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.
Of the 157 wildfires that have occurred in the Cariboo Fire Centre so far this season, 82 were caused by people.
Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to take the following precautions with outdoor burning activities:
• Have enough people, water and tools on hand to prevent the fire from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions.
• Locate the fire site away from buildings, trees and other combustible materials.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Ensure the fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
Anyone lighting a fire must ensure they conduct the burn safely and responsibly, as outlined in the Wildfire Act and its regulations. If an open fire escapes and is determined to have caused a wildfire, the person(s) responsible may be liable for fire suppression costs and damages.
Anyone who wishes to light a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717. A Category 3 open fire is a fire that burns material in piles larger than two metres high and three metres wide, or that burns stubble or grass over an area larger than 0.2 hectares.
Always check local venting conditions prior to igniting any open fire. For more information about the Ministry of Environment's venting index, call 1-888-281-2992.
