Cariboo Fire Centre Urging Caution With Outdoor Burning

Predicted windy conditions in the region has the Cariboo Fire Centre urging caution with outdoor burning.

The Centre says that gusts up to 40 kilometers an hour are expected for Saturday.

Anyone planning to light an open fire must take the following precautions:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
•  Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break to help stop the fire from spreading beyond its intended size. Each of these fires should be kept small, and must be completely extinguished before starting a new fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area for any length of time.

Category 3 open burns fires will be prohibited within the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction effective at noon on Monday.

Category 3 open burns include:

• any fire larger than two metres high by three metres wide
• three or more concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide
• one or more burning windrows
• burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.

Anyone wishing to conduct a Category 3 open burn before noon on Monday must obtain a registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717.