Campfires are allowed once again in the Cariboo Fire Centre except for in the Tsilhqot'in (Xeni Gwet'in) declared title area.
The Cariboo Fire Centre said the prohibition implemented on July 12 will cease at noon Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.
Category 2 and Category 3 prohibitions, however, are still in effect throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre.
Also prohibited are the use of fireworks, firecrackers and sky lanterns.
In a new release, BC Wildfire reminded the public a campfire is defined as an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide.
Precautions must be in place when lighting or making use of a campfire, such as ready access to a shovel and at least eight litres of water during the entire time the fire is burning.
A fuel break must be around the campfire that is free of any debris or combustible materials.
All campfire users must ensure the fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to touch before leaving the campfire.
The change comes because the current weather forecast is for highs in the low 20s and continued days of rain.
Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
"Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from naturally caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible open fire use," noted the Cariboo Fire Centre news release.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
