Ryan willman
Arrow Lakes News
The resent dissipation of the smoke that has filled the Arrow Lakes valley for the last few weeks has also evaporated the fire ban in the Southeast Fire Center.
Effective Monday the BC Wildfire Service has lifted the summer-long fire ban due to cooler and wetter conditions in the forecast and a decreased wildfire risk in the region. Campfires smaller than half-meter wide by half-meter high and outdoor stoves are now permitted, however BC Wildfire Service urges residents to continue to exercise caution and common sense when burning outdoors.
Karlie Shaughnessy, Fire Information Officer for B.C. Wildfire Services, warns, “Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available to fully extinguish it. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure ashes are completely cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.”
Small backyard burning piles (Category 2 open fires) remain prohibited within the Southeast Fire Centre. These prohibitions include; the burning of stubble or grass, fireworks, sky lanterns and burning barrels.
Category 3 open fires continue to be prohibited throughout the Southeast
Fire Centre’s jurisdictional area. A complete list of categorized burning activities can be found at www.bcwildfire.ca.
These prohibitions cover all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but do not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department. Please check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.a
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345, required to pay an administrative penalty of $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.