Hot, dry weather calls for campfire caution

Small campfires are currently permitted throughout BC, so long as recreationalists and campers exercise caution and follow regulations.   

Preparing for the 2013 wildfire season, the provincial Wildfire Management Branch warns BC residents to be especially careful in the outdoors in hot and dry weather.

Warm temperatures now drying out forest fuels and grasslands are resulting in increased Fire Danger Ratings throughout the province. The ratings are mostly at moderate or low, but some are already on high alert.

Small campfires are currently permitted throughout BC, so long as recreationalists and campers exercise caution and follow campfire regulations. Before lighting any outdoor fire, be sure to find out if any open burning prohibitions or campfire bans are in effect in your area, by visiting the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

If campfires are allowed in your area, they cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter. Always bring a shovel or keep at least eight litres of water nearby to properly extinguish your campfire.

Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires. It’s also smart to maintain a one-metre fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.

Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure that the campfire is completely extinguished. Finally ensure that cigarette butts are properly extinguished and are not tossed away carelessly.

Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on your cellphone.

Submitted