Although fire bans have not yet been imposed in the region, residents are urged to use extreme caution if they decide to have open fires given the unseasonably warm and dry weather.
“Fires can have devastating impacts upon communities; the mass evacuations and destruction in Fort McMurray are a sober and prime example,” says Andrew Bellerby, Regional Fire Chief for the RDCK. “Please don’t burn unless absolutely necessary and if you still insist on having a fire, make sure you have plenty of extinguishing devices available.”
Never, ever leave a fire unattended or toss out cigarette butts.
Those residents who insist on having open fires are asked to keep the following points in mind:
• The type of material to be burned
(only burn organics — no plastics, toxins, etc.)
• The size of the area to be burned
• Wind direction and strength
• Establish fuel/fire breaks and guards
• Have fire suppression (sprinklers, hoses)
• Make sure the fire is monitored at ALL times
• Ensure the fire is extinguished
• If a fire spreads beyond control, contact your local fire department
immediately.
For information on wildfires and restrictions visit bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/FireCentrePage
For information on backyard burning, visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/topics/backyard-burning or bcwildfire.ca/Restrictions/BackyardBurning.pdf.