Public urged to use caution when extinguishing campfires



SMITHERS – In advance of the long weekend, the Northwest Fire Centre (NWFC) is urging the public to use extreme caution around campfires.

While a Category 1 campfire prohibition remains in effect across the Nadina Fire Zone, there is not currently a Category 1 campfire prohibition in the Bulkley, Skeena, or Cassiar Fire Zones.

A campfire is considered any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, used for recreational purposes or ceremonial purposes for a First Nation person.

Given the warm and dry conditions in the NWFC over the past few weeks and forecasted warm and dry conditions next week, it is essential that anyone having a campfire in the Bulkley, Skeena or Cassiar Fire Zones be responsible and follow regulations.

These include:

  • maintaining at least eight litres of water on hand at all times when a campfire is lit;
  • not having a campfire when it is windy;
  • choosing a proper fire pit or making a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris, and;
  • not leaving a campfire unattended for any amount of time.

Furthermore, anyone having a campfire must ensure that it is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area. Extinguish your fire by stirring water into the embers until they feel cold to the touch. Hot coals can reignite a fire, especially in warm weather.

Anyone who leaves a campfire unattended for any length of time may be fined up to $1,150, while anyone whose campfire causes a wildfire may also be subject to a penalty of up to $100,000 if convicted in court, and/or sentenced to one year in jail, along with any costs associated with fighting the fire and damages.

A province-wide prohibition on Category 2 and 3 open burning remains in effect for the entire Northwest Fire Centre, which includes fires larger 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres. Please view restrictions specific to your region on the BC Wildfire Service website.

Always check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open fire violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

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Contact:
NWFC Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Northwest Fire Centre
BCWS.NWFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca
250 876-6844

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