The BC Wildfire Service has implemented a ban on Category 2 and Category 3 open fires across the Prince George Fire Centre as wildfire risk increases across the region.
The prohibition came into effect at noon on Tuesday, May 5, and will remain in place until noon on October 15, unless the order is rescinded earlier.
The ban applies to the Prince George Forest District, which includes the Peace River Regional District, with the exception of areas within municipal boundaries.
Category 2 open fires include single or double burn piles up to two metres high and three metres wide, as well as grass or stubble burning on areas smaller than 2,000 square metres.
Category 3 fires include three or more burn piles, larger individual piles, windrows, and grass or stubble burning on areas larger than 2,000 square metres.
In addition to open burning, several other activities and types of equipment are also prohibited under the order. These include fireworks, burn barrels, controlled air incinerators, air curtain burners, carbonizers, and binary exploding targets.
The prohibition does not apply to Category 1 campfires, provided they are no larger than half a metre high and half a metre wide.
The use of gas, propane, or briquette cooking stoves is also still permitted.
While the ban does not apply within municipal boundaries, it does cover certain types of Crown land located inside communities. These include parks, recreation sites and trails, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas, and private managed forest land.
The Peace River Regional District says the prohibition is enacted and enforced by the BC Wildfire Service and is urging residents and visitors to follow the restrictions to help protect local communities and natural resources.
Add comment
Comments