BC Wildfires

Open fire prohibitions to be lifted up north

Sep 1, 2021 | 3:20 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Yet another sign the wildfire season is winding down up north.

Both the Prince George and Northwest Fire Centres will lift Category 2 and 3 open fire prohibitions effective noon next Tuesday.

Fireworks, including firecrackers and sky lanterns will also be permitted. All of these activities have been banned since the end of June due to hot and dry weather.

Category 2 open fire:

Category 2 open fires will be permitted throughout the Northwest and Prince George Fire Centres. Category 2 fires include:

* one or two concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide;

* stubble or grass burning over an area of less than 0.2 hectares in size

Reminders about Category 2 open fire: Anyone planning to conduct Category 2 open burning should always check the Ventilation Index, follow the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations and practice safe burning. Create a fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material. Have an adequate source of pressurized water on hand. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure the fire is fully extinguished with ashes cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

More information on Category 2 open fire safety: http://ow.ly/qLxI50A9qTN

Category 3 open fire:

Category 3 open fires will be permitted throughout the Northwest and Prince George Fire Centres. Category 3 fires include:

* any fire larger than two metres high by three metres wide;

* three or more concurrently burning piles each no larger than two metres high by three metres wide;

* the burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares; and

* the burning of one or more windrows.

Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1-888-797-1717. A burn registration number is not required to light a Category 2 open fire.