The Cariboo Fire Centre is reminding the public of campfire safety and prohibitions in place.
Across the Cariboo, there’s a Category 2 and 3 fire prohibition which bans fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and more.
This does exclude campfires, as long as proper precautions are followed.
“If you are having a campfire no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, you must have a fire guard around the campfire,” says Madison Dahl, Fire Information Officer.
“it’s your responsibility to have either eight litres of water, or a shovel available and on hand for the entirety of the campfire being lit.”
Dahl further added that anyone not following prohibitions or violating regulations, could face a $1,500 ticket, or up to $10,000 as an administrative penalty.
If convicted in court, there could be a $100,000 fine and or jail time for a year.
Starting today, May 17th until May 26th, the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) will be prohibiting campfires on Declared Title Area.
So far, the Cariboo Fire Centre has responded to 32 wildfires burning a total of 604 hectares, with a majority being human caused.