PRINCE GEORGE – Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, the Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions will be rescinded in the VanJam, Mackenzie, Prince George and Robson fire zones. All open burning is now permitted in these areas.
However, Category 2 and 3 open burning will remain prohibited in the Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Fort Nelson fire zones.
The following equipment and activities also remain prohibited in these areas:
- Category 2 open burning as defined in the Wildfire Regulation
- Category 3 open burning as defined in the Wildfire Regulation
- Fireworks
- Sky Lanterns
- Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description
- Binary exploding targets
Prohibitions apply to all public and private lands unless otherwise specified (e.g. in an enactment or local government bylaw). Please check with your local authorities before lighting a fire of any size.
A map outlining the prohibition areas within the Prince George Fire Centre is below:
Please check the BC Wildfire Service Bans and Restrictions webpage for the most current prohibitions for your area. Local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place, people should always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size.
Anyone lighting a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717.
People who conduct 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 a Category 2 or Category 3 open fire must also comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation. Check the local venting index by calling 1 888 281-2992 or visiting: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html
Find information on the different types of open burning and the associated rules and regulations here.
Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may issue 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.
For updates on the current wildfire situation, including full incident details for Wildfires of Note, please visit BCWildfire.ca.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free, *5555 on a cell phone or directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
Follow the latest wildfire news:
- on Twitter
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- on the free BCWS mobile app, available to download for Apple and Android devices
Contact:
Prince George Fire Centre Information Team
BC Wildfire Service | Ministry of Forests
250 561-4629
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect