(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Open Burning

Open burning permitted in Cariboo Fire Centre as weather conditions cool

Sep 21, 2021 | 3:20 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — All open burning will once again be permitted throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction and the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area.

The Category Two open burning prohibition will be lifted at noon on Wednesday (Sept. 22), which previously banned the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels and burn cages. The prohibition was put in place June 25.

BC Wildfire Service says recent and forecast weather conditions that include cooler temperatures, higher humidity and substantial precipitation have dropped the Cariboo Fire Centre’s fire danger rating to low or very low.

Anyone who does open burning are asked to use caution and be aware of local conditions that might impact their ability to burn safely and control their open fires and comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation. They’re also asked to take the following precautions with any allowed outdoor burning:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and stop it escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly, and wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fire guard 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.

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Additionally, anyone lighting a Category Three open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717. A Category Three fire is described as 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.

BC Wildfire Service says local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place, so it encourages residents to check with municipalities before lighting fires.

Anyone can report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.