Due to a decreased wildfire risk, Category 2 open fires will once again be allowed throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.
Fire Information Officer Emily Epp says the prohibition was lifted Thursay at noon.
“Piles that are smaller than 2 meters high by 3 meters wide will be allowed again. People will be able to do some back yard burning again; also they are allowed to use burning barrels, burning cages, sky lanterns, and fireworks again.”
The lifted prohibition does not apply to Category 3 fires.
“However we’re keeping the Category 3 (Any fire larger than 2 meters high by 3 meters wide; stubble or grass burning over an area greater than 0.2 hectares) in place because those are the really large piles that can burn deep into the ground and create a hold over situation where it can come up again when we get back to dry conditions,” says Epp.
Anyone planning to light any allowed fire should take the following precautions:
- Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and to prevent it from escaping.
- Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
- Create a fireguard of at least one meter around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Make sure that the fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time. If a fire is not fully extinguished, it can reignite when conditions become hot and dry again.