Category 1 campfires prohibited throughout the Cariboo



WILLIAMS LAKE – Effective at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Pacific Daylight Time on Friday, July 7, 2023, Category 1 campfires will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre and the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. This prohibition will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. (noon) on October 27, 2023, or until the order is rescinded.

Please view a map of the affected areas below.

On July 7, 2023 the open fires listed below are prohibited in the Cariboo Fire Centre:

  • Category 1 campfires as defined in the Wildfire Regulation;
  • Category 2 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation; and,
  • Category 3 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation.

In addition to open fires being prohibited, the following activities and equipment are also restricted:

  • Fireworks
  • Sky lanterns
  • Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
  • Binary exploding targets
  • Tiki and similar kinds of torches
  • Chimineas
  • Air curtain burners

This prohibition does not include the use of outdoor stoves. As per the Wildfire Regulation, an outdoor stove is a CSA-rated or ULC-rated device used outdoors for cooking, heat or ambiance that burns charcoal briquettes, liquid fuel or gaseous fuel, and has a flame height that is less than 15 cm tall. The use of a campfire apparatus that does not meet these specifications is prohibited.

Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province. The B.C. government recognizes that

people also enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire prohibition very

seriously. Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused wildfires. The Cariboo Fire Centre appreciates the public and industry for their continued help in preventing wildfires.

Always practice safe, responsible open fire use. 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 a 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.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

Contact:

BC Wildfire Service
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre
778-799-2100

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