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For Immediate Release September 9, 2009 |
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Friday, 04 September 2009 08:02 |
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WILLIAMS LAKE - Effective at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 9, 2009 and until further notice, campfires and Category 1, 2 and 3 open fires are no longer prohibited throughout much of the Cariboo Fire Centre. All open fires remain prohibited in the Chilcotin Forest District (see attached pdf / map).
The lifting of this open fire ban applies within BC Parks and to all public (Crown) and private land. It does not apply within municipalities or regional districts that have their own burning bylaws or bans. Please check with your local authorities before lighting a fire.
A Category 1 open fire means an open fire that burns piled material no larger than one metre high and one metre wide. A Category 2 open fire means an open fire that burns piled material no larger than two metres high and three metres wide, or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares (2000 square metres) in size. A Category 3 open fire means an open fire that burns material in piles larger than two metres high and three metres wide, windrows, or grass over an larger than 0.2 hectares (2000 square metres) in size.
Anyone who lights a Category 2 or 3 open fire must comply with the Ministry of Environment’s Waste Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. More information is available at www.bcairquality.ca. Individuals who fail to meet these requirements may be subject to fines.
A registration number is required for all open burning categories. This number can be obtained at 1-888-797-1717. Anyone considering a Category 2 or 3 burn should also be aware of local conditions.
The Cariboo Fire Centre encompasses the area extending from Clinton in the South, north to Cottonwood River just north of Quesnel, east to the Western boundary of Wells Gray Provincial Park, and west to the western boundary of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. This includes all of the Chilcotin, 100 Mile House, Quesnel and Central Cariboo Forest Districts.
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B.C. WILDFIRES OF NOTE |
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Monday, 31 August 2009 00:00 |
FACT SHEET - September 5, 2009
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Where is our smoke coming from? |
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Smoke at 100 Mile came from the fire near Clinton.
See satellite image updates every 15 minutes
Bridge Lake 500km VIS - 08/27/2009
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WILDFIRE RISK CRITICAL ACROSS THE PROVINCE |
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Friday, 31 July 2009 21:58 |
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For Immediate Release
2009PREM0020-000181
July 31, 2009
VANCOUVER – The wildfire risk across the province has reached a critical level due to continued hot and dry weather, and British Columbians are being asked to voluntarily restrict back country activities, said Premier Gordon Campbell.
“The wildfire risk is at the highest level in recent memory, with 85 per cent of the province facing a high or extreme fire hazard level,” said Premier Campbell. “With high temperatures and lightning expected as we head into the B.C. Day long weekend, every British Columbian needs to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their community by being vigilant and cautious.”
The current heat wave has left the entire province vulnerable to new fire starts, prompting the Province to take extraordinary precautions to prevent fires caused by people. All six fire centres are on high alert in anticipation of increased wildfire activity. Fire hazard levels are higher and cover more regions of the province than in 2003, when extreme conditions were mainly centred in the Southern Interior.
Since April 1, the Province has responded to 1,817 wildfires that have burned approximately 51,042 hectares of forests and grasslands. About half of those fires were human-caused. By comparison, at this point in the 2003 fire season, there were 959 fires and 31,000 hectares burned. On July 30 alone, 171 fires started, primarily from lightning.
There is currently a ban on campfires and open burning across B.C., with further restrictions possible if the high risk persists. Failure to comply with burning restrictions can result in a $345 fine. It is vital that the public respects campfire restrictions, as crews are working to contain a large number of naturally-occurring wildfires.
Read more......
For more information on open fire restrictions or for updates on current wildfire activity, visit www.bcwildfire.ca.
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OPEN FIRE RESTRICTION IN THE CARIBOO |
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Tuesday, 21 July 2009 06:56 |
WILLIAMS LAKE– Effective at noon on July 24, 2009 and until further notice, Category 1 open fire is prohibited in the 100 Mile House Forest District, Chilcotin Forest District and west of Highway 97 in the Central Cariboo Forest District within the Cariboo Fire Centre (see attached map).
A Category 1 open fire means an open fire that burns piled material no larger than one metre high and one metre wide. This Category 1 open fire ban prohibits the use of campfires.
This restriction on category 1 open fire is in addition to the Category 2 and 3 restrictions implemented on June 4th, 2009 throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre until further notice.
A Category 2 open fire means an open fire that burns piled material no larger than two metres high and three metres wide, or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares (2000 square metres) in size.
A Category 3 open fire means an open fire that burns material in piles larger than two metres high and three metres wide, windrows, or grass over an larger than 0.2 hectares (2000 square metres) in size.
This open fire ban applies within BC Parks and to all public (Crown) and private land outside of organized areas. This fire ban does not apply within municipalities with their own burning bylaws. Please check with your local authorities before lighting a fire.
This open fire ban is in effect to protect public safety and to limit the risk of person-caused wildfires. This ban does not restrict fires in stoves using gas, propane, or briquettes.
The use of burning barrels and fireworks is also prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre pursuant to Section 12(1) of the Wildfire Act.
The Cariboo Fire Centre covers an area of about 10.3 million hectares, stretching from Clinton (Loon Lake) to the south, north to Cottonwood River just north of Quesnel, east to the western boundary of Wells Gray Provincial Park and west to the western boundary of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks. For more information on open fire restrictions or for updates on current wildfire activity, visit www.bcwildfire.ca.
Contact:
Grace Pickell
Fire Information Officer Cariboo Fire Centre
1-250-989-2628
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