No open burning prohibitions within Cariboo Fire Centre



Williams Lake– Effective as of 12:00 noon on October 27, 2023, all open burning is permitted throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction and the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area.

People conducting open burning should use caution and be aware of local conditions that might impact their ability to burn safely and control their open fires. Anyone who lights an open fire must also comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation.

The BC Wildfire Service urges people to take the following precautions with any allowed outdoor burning:

  • Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and stop it from escaping.
  • Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly, and wind may carry embers to other combustible materials and start new fires.
  • Create a fire guard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material right down to the soil.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Make sure that your fire is fully extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Reminders about Category 2:

Reminders about Category 3:

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.

Prohibitions apply to all public and private land unless specified otherwise. Please check with your local government authorities for any other restrictions and assess conditions before lighting any fire.

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 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.

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from naturally caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible open fire use.

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