As the weather cools, residents in the Peace and Northern Rockies can stay warm with a campfire as category one fires are now permitted in the northeast.
This decision by the B.C. Wildfire Service to rescind the fire ban that was upheld last Tuesady, Sept. 23, means small, controlled fires are now allowed across the Prince George Fire Centre.
Category one fires are described by the service as “an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.”
These fires can be lit recreationally as long as it is done safely, the service said.
People looking to enjoy the last few campfires as winter looms are advised to create a barrier of rocks around the flame. They should also clear the area of any flammable debris. Residents are also required to keep eight litres of water, or a manual firefighting tool, on hand and to ensure the fire is monitored for the entire time it burns.
If it is windy outside, people are asked to avoid open fires. Fireworks, firecrackers, and burn cages of any kid remain banned in the Peace Forest and Fort Nelson Forest fire districts.
A larger fire can be classified under the categories of two or three, depending on its size and surroundings. Residents in the southern region of the fire zone will be permitted to burn these types of fires, but they are still banned in the Peace region and Fort Nelson.
“If you choose to conduct any open burning, you are responsible for what you burn,” said the wildfire service.
People who violate the current fire restrictions may be issued a ticket, and if their case goes to court, they can face a year in jail or a fine of $10,000.
The service said they will revisit their decision to keep category two and three flames banned in mid-October.
