PRINCE GEORGE – Since April 1, a total of 47 fires have occurred in the Prince George Fire Centre and have burned approximately 940 hectares. Eighteen fires ignited in 2024 remain active at this time and in addition to 87 holdover fires from the 2023 season.
While the majority of the 2023 holdover fires were lightning-caused, this is not the case for those wildfires that have occurred to date in 2024. Of the 47 new incidents to date, 41 are suspected to be human-caused.
Though the majority of wildfires that occur in the spring are typically human-caused, conditions are unseasonably dry and more typical of those observed in the late summer. Human-caused fires are completely preventable and divert critical response resources away from naturally caused fires.
Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are currently prohibited across the entire Prince George Fire Centre and although Category 1 (campfires) are permitted at this time, it is critically important that everyone exercise extreme caution if they are using open fire or participating in any heat- or spark-generating activity.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, 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. Violators could also be held responsible for damages to Crown resources, which could be significant. More information about the Wildfire Act and Regulation is available online.
Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. All individuals across the Prince George Fire Centre should ensure they are familiar with the current bans and restrictions in their area, local conditions (e.g. available fuels, fire danger ratings), as well as the current and forecasted weather conditions, and all open fire regulations. It is also recommended that the public check with their own local authority before lighting a fire of any size or description.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone, or directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
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Contact:
Prince George Fire Information Team
BC Wildfire Service | Ministry of Forests
250-561-4629
INFOPG@gov.bc.ca
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