CARIBOO FIRE CENTRE – The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public and forest sector to check burn piles that they ignited last fall or over the winter, as fires can smolder underground and re-ignite as temperatures rise, snow recedes and forest fuels dry out.
Why is this important?
- Fires can holdover and flare up in warm, dry and windy conditions.
- Spring conditions can be extremely dry — before grasses green up and trees leaf out, vegetation remains highly flammable and can dry quickly, even after rain.
- Burn piles and open fires still burning after the registration number has expired, or a burn prohibition is in effect, are not in compliance and may result in being found in violation of the Wildfire Act and Regulations.
Regulations and fines
If your burn pile or open burn causes or helps start a wildfire, you may have to pay for all firefighting costs and any other related expenses. You could also be held responsible for damages to Crown resources, which can be very costly.
If you violate an open fire prohibition, you could face a $1,150 fine. You may also be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. To learn more, read more about the Wildfire Act and Regulations.
To report a wildfire, dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation, call the RAPP line on 1 877 952-7277.
You can also 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.
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.
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
BC Wildfire App: available for Apple and Android
Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Cariboo Fire Centre
778 799-2100
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect