PRINCE GEORGE – Strong and gusty winds are expected across much of the Prince George Fire Centre today. Widespread westerly winds of 70 km/hr gusting to 90 km/hr are forecast to cross the centre following the passage of moderate-to-strong southeasterly winds this morning.
Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the following areas:
Southwesterly winds are also expected throughout the remainder of the Peace region (30-50 km/hr gusting to 70 km/hr) and the Robson Valley (20-40 km/hr gusting to 60 km/hr).
These conditions are forecast to continue through the day Friday and into the late evening, easing in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday. The northernmost parts of the centre, including the Fort Nelson zone, are not expected to be impacted.
The Prince George Fire Centre would like to remind the public, recreationalist and hunters to consider wind and weather conditions before engaging in the use of open fire or entering areas impacted by wildfire as conditions are dynamic and may change rapidly. Significant safety hazards, including danger trees, exist on the landscape and, together with the elevated winds, there is an increased chance that these trees may fall due to weak root structures.
As well, with changes to the open fire prohibitions in parts of the centre coming into effect, it is critical that everyone is aware of the area that they are in and the bans and prohibitions that may be in place. Prohibitions remain in effect for areas with high grass fire hazard and persistent drought conditions.
Definitions of each category of open fire are available online. Anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717 or emailing hpr.1800@gov.bc.ca. Ensure you are engaging in safe open burning practices only when and where permitted and that you are properly prepared and aware of the conditions, and always check with your local authorities before lighting a fire of any size or description.
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 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.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
The Prince George Fire Centre thanks the public for their continued support in preventing wildfires.
Stay up-to-date on the latest BC Wildfire news on:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
- The BC Wildfire Service mobile app (download it now on Apple or Android!)
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