Public urged to use caution while burning with elevated winds in the forecast



SMITHERS – We urge the public to use caution and follow all safety procedures while conducting open burning this week. Forecasted warmer temperatures, drier conditions and elevated winds for the southern half of the Northwest Fire Centre may all contribute to higher risk during burning, particularly in lower elevations where the snow has melted and there is dead grass and leaves available to catch on fire.

We also remind anyone who conducted a Category 2 or Category 3 pile burn over the winter to check on their burn sites and ensure they are fully extinguished. There is potential for burn piles to burn deep and smoulder underground throughout the winter, until warm weather and snow free conditions allow them to become active again.

It is the responsibility of each individual to stay informed about the current prohibitions in place in the Northwest Fire Centre and to ensure that burning is done safely, in accordance with regulations. For more information about open burning, visit the open fire and safer burning webpage.

Before you light a fire of any size, monitor the upcoming weather forecast and check with your local government to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.

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Contact:

BC Wildfire Service

Information Officer
Northwest Fire Centre
BCWS.NWFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
250-876-6844

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect