PRINCE GEORGE – Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, Category 2 and Category 3 open burning and other associated activities will be permitted across all zones in the Prince George Fire Centre.
Before you burn:
Before lighting a fire, even if the burn category is not currently prohibited, ensure you are properly prepared, aware of the conditions and following open burning regulations:
- Establish a fuel break around your Category 2 or 3 burn or fire guard around your campfire.
- Ensure someone is always monitoring the fire so it doesn’t spread beyond its intended size. At least one person equipped with a fire-fighting hand tool must monitor the fire at all times.
- Do not burning when venting conditions are “Poor” or “Fair”
More information about the four categories of open burning is available online. It is critical that you are aware of the type of burn you may be engaging in before lighting any fire.
Category 2 open fires are those that burn:
- Material in one pile not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width
- Material concurrently in 2 piles each not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width
- Stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares
Category 3 open fire refers to those that burn:
- Material concurrently in 3 or more piles each not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width
- Material in one or more piles each exceeding 2 metres in height or 3 metres in width
- One or more windrows, none of which exceed 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width
- Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares
A reminder that anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717 or emailing hpr.1800@gov.bc.ca. Ensure you are engaging in safe open burning practices only when and where permitted and that you are properly prepared and aware of the conditions.
For details on current fire bans and prohibitions in the Prince George Fire Centre, visit the bans and restrictions webpage and check with your local authorities before lighting a fire of any size or description.
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 an/or sentenced to one 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 or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
The Prince George Fire Centre thanks the public for their continued support in preventing wildfires.
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Contact:
Fire Information Team
Prince George Fire Centre
BC Wildfire Service
250-561-4629
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.