Category one fire ban to be rescinded across the northern BC

The BC Wildfire Service has announced that campfires will be allowed this week.

The category one fire ban in the Northwest and Prince George Fire Centre will be rescinded as of noon on Thursday.

The decision was made because of the weather conditions and the availability of firefighting resources.

This means blazes a half metre in height and width are allowed and required precautions include:

• Ready access to a shovel or at least eight litres of water the entirety of the time the campfire is lit
• A fuel break around the campfire, free of any debris or combustible materials
• The fire is fully extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the campfire for any length of time

Category two and three fires remain banned, along with fireworks, sky lanterns, and burn barrels.

Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.