PG Fire Centre urging residents to take cautious approach to open burning

Due to the warm conditions, the Prince George Fire Centre encourages the public and industry personnel to exercise caution when conducting outdoor burning.

The weather forecast is calling for a drying trend across most of the area. As the temperature increases, the grass cures and
dries, becoming extremely flammable, especially in windy conditions.

There are currently no open burning prohibitions in place.

The fire centre reminds the public that before lighting any fire, it is advised to monitor the upcoming weather forecast and check with your local governments to see if any local burning
restrictions are in place.

The area reported its first wildfire of the season on Sunday, northeast of Hudson’s Hope.

The Farrell Creek Junction Wildfire has been deemed to be human-caused and was started by a campfire that got away in heavy wind. It is currently at 4.5 hectares and listed as under control.

Anyone conducting an outdoor burn must adhere to the following precautions:

• Ensure that adequate resources are on hand to control the fire and stop it from
spreading;

• Never burn in windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly, and the wind
may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires;

• Create an appropriately sized fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away
twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material, right down to the mineral soil;

• Never leave a fire unattended;

• Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch
before leaving the area for any length of time;