Important Reminder: Open burning ban in effect across Prince George Fire Centre
PRINCE GEORGE – BC Wildfire Service responded to multiple incidents across the Prince George Fire Centre last week as a result of pile burns that were newly lit and/or previously lit and not extinguished before the open burning ban came into effect on March 28, 2024.
We would like to remind the public that Category 2 and 3 open burning is prohibited across the entirety of the Prince George Fire Centre. The public is urged to be vigilant and ensure any pre-existing piles are fully extinguished and to not light any new piles.
This prohibition is in place to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety due to the high grass fire hazard, persistent drought conditions and increased incidence of human-caused wildfires associated with Category 2 and Category 3 open burning. Any pre-existing piles have a chance to hold over and remain burning due to the current drought conditions. This prohibition will remain in effect until 12:00 noon PDT on Tuesday October 15, 2024, or until the Order is rescinded.
The following activities and use of the following equipment, materials and substances are also prohibited:
- Fireworks
- Sky lanterns
- Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
- Binary exploding targets
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/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. Violators could also be held responsible for damages to Crown resources, which could be significant. More information about the Wildfire Act and Regulation is available online.
This prohibition does not ban Category 1 (campfires) that are a half-metre high by half-metre wide or smaller, or the use of cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.
This Order applies to the following geographic boundaries as illustrated and is specific to all public and private land unless otherwise specified in an enactment.
- the Prince George Forest District
- the Stuart Nechako Forest District
- the Mackenzie Forest District
- the Peace Forest District
- the Fort Nelson Forest District
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. Open burning violations can also be reported through the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
The Prince George Fire Centre thanks the public for their continued support in preventing wildfires. For the latest wildfire news, follow BC Wildfire on:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
- The free BCWS mobile app, available to download for Apple and Android devices
Contact:
Prince George Fire Centre Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service | Ministry of Forests
Phone: 250-561- 4629
Email: INFOPG@gov.bc.ca
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect
