Restrictions on fires have been loosened in some areas of the Prince George Fire Centre, but will remain in place in the Peace and Fort Nelson fire districts.
The B.C. Wildfire Service announced the rescindment of category one fire bans in the southern regions of the fire centre at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The organization said “fire ratings dropped due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures” around Prince George and Fort St James.
In the north, however, the ban on torches, chiminea fireplaces, and outdoor stoves will remain in effect under the category one restrictions. The difference in restrictions is the result of forecasted weather conditions and the build-up index or BUI.
“A campfire (category one) ban will be enacted when over 50 per cent of the weather stations within a defined geographic area surpass the BUI threshold established for that area,” the wildfire service said. Ratings on this index vary across the province and are determined by an area’s assigned fuel type – more specifically, how difficult it would be to handle a fire in the area, should one be ignited.
Some fires are burning, but under control in the Peace, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service, who also reported the Kiskatinaw River fire in the south as “being held.” The fire prompting evacuations earlier this summer.
The Northern Rockies have two “out of control” fires burning north of them – both fires are described as a “continuation of fire activity that began during the 2023 and 2024 seasons,” by the service. Other fires in the area are considered under control by the provincial wildfire fighters.
“A longer lasting fire season is likely into the fall of 2025,” said the B.C. Wildfire Service in a preview of conditions. They cautioned that as the winds are picking up and autumn falls across the drought-ridden northeast.
Category two and three bans are still in place across all districts in the Prince George Fire Centre. This bans residents from using fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, and other potential fire hazards.
