Category 3 open fires are to be prohibited in the Southeast Fire Centre as of noon on Friday, June 3.
According to a press release issued Monday afternoon, the prohibition is to prevent human-caused wildfires and protectpublic safety.
Category 3 open fires include the burning of any material (piled or un-piled) larger than two metres high or three metreswide, stubble or grass fires over an area larger than 2,000 square metres, and the burning of more than two piles of any size.The prohibition does not apply to campfires, cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or open fires that are twometres by three metres or smaller.
A reminder not to keep fires lit during windy conditions and to make sure you have enough people, water and tools on handto contain the fire. Make sure all fires are fully extinguished and the ashes are cold before leaving them unattended.
The prohibition covers all BC Parks and Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of localgovernments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Check with civic authorities for anyrestrictions before lighting a fire.
The Wildfire BC Southeast Fire Centre will notify the public once the prohibition has been lifted. A map of the affected area isavailable online at bit.ly/20RD4QZ.