Open burning prohibitions rescinded in the Cariboo Fire Centre

As of noon on Wednesday, open fires are allowed in the Cariboo again.

These fires include open burning, and the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, and burn cages.

Anyone lighting a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717. According to the BC Wildfire Service, a Category 3 fire is a fire that burns material more than two metres high or three metres wide, or stubble or grass over 2,000 square metres, or more than two piles of any size.

Though the Cariboo Fire Centre’s prohibitions are rescinded, the public is reminded that local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place.

The BC Wildfire Service says anyone partaking should take the following precautions:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and stop it from escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly, and wind may carry embers to other combustible materials and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves, and other combustible material right down to the soil.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that your fire is fully extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.