PRINCE GEORGE – As central and northern BC are entering into spring conditions, the Prince George Fire Centre urges anyone who has conducted pile burning over the winter to thoroughly inspect their burn site(s) to ensure any remaining hot spots have been fully extinguished.

It is possible for winter burn piles to burn deep into the ground and smoulder undetected until they re-emerge at the surface, potentially causing a wildfire.

There are currently no open burning prohibition orders in effect for the Prince George Fire Centre, however, it is the responsibility of each person to inform themselves of any new prohibition orders which may come into effect during the fire season.

Any person conducting an open burn is responsible for ensuring the burn is carried out safely and in accordance with the Wildfire Act and regulations, Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation and any local government bylaws.

Information on the different categories of open burning and when a person is required to register their burn, can be found on the Burn Registration website with additional information found on the Open Fire and Safe Burning page.

Before lighting any open burn, a person should monitor the current and forecasted weather conditions and check with their local government for any bylaws which may prohibit or restrict burning in their area.

Contact:

Fire Information Officer

BC Wildfire Service

Prince George Fire Centre

BCWS.PGFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca

250-561-4629

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