All open fire prohibitions lifted in the Northwest Fire Centre



SMITHERS – Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Category 3 open burning prohibitions will be rescinded in the Nadina Forest District, the Skeena portion of the Skeena Stikine Forest District and the Old Kalum portion of the Coast Mountains Forest District.

Category 1 (campfire) and Category 2 prohibitions were rescinded across the Northwest Fire Centre on August 28, 2024. The Category 3 prohibition was also partially rescinded in the Stikine (Cassiar) portion of the Skeena Stikine Forest District and the North Coast portion of the Coast Mountain Forest District on August 28,2024.

For more information please check the bans and restrictions webpage.

With recent precipitation and cooler temperatures the wildfire risk has been greatly reduced, however, there are still active wildfires burning within our region. The public is strongly encouraged to exercise caution with any outdoor burning and campfire use. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner in accordance with regulations.

Category 2 open fire:

  • one or two concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide;
  • stubble or grass burning over an area of less than 0.2 hectares in size

Reminders about Category 2 open fire:
Anyone planning to conduct Category 2 open burning should always check the Ventilation Index, follow the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations and practice safe burning. Create a fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material. Have an adequate source of pressurized water on hand. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure the fire is fully extinguished with ashes cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

More information on Category 2 open fire safety: Click here.

Category 3 open fire:

  • any fire larger than two metres high by three metres wide;
  • three or more concurrently burning piles each no larger than two metres high by three metres wide;
  • the burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares; and
  • the burning of one or more windrows.

Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1-888-797-1717. A burn registration number is not required to light a Category 2 open fire.

Reminders about Category 3 open burning:
All Category 3 open fires must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations. This requires individuals to check local venting conditions prior to lighting a fire and to understand all other obligations associated with these regulations.

More information on Category 3 open fire safety: Click here.

Residents within a local government’s jurisdiction must follow the bylaws set out by their local government. Please check with your local authorities before lighting a fire.

For updates on the current wildfire situation, including full incident details for Wildfires of Note, please visit BCWildfire.ca.

You can follow the latest BC Wildfire news on:

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, please call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free, *5555 on a cell phone or directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

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.