File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Open Fire Ban

Category 2 and 3 open burning ban to begin for Cariboo Fire Centre

May 6, 2025 | 7:18 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The first round of burning prohibitions will be coming to the Cariboo Fire Centre.

As of 12:00 p.m. Wednesday (May 7), the BC Wildfire Service says Category 2 and 3 open fires will be prohibited across the entire Cariboo Fire Centre.

Last year, Category 2 open fires were given an earlier prohibition on March 28. This year aligns more closely with the prohibition on May 11, 2023.

In a news release issued Monday (May 5), the wildfire service says the prohibition includes the 100 Mile House Forest District, the Quesnel Forest District, the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District and the area outlined in the attached map below.

Image credit: BC Wildfire Service

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“Multiple factors are taken into consideration when assessing wildfire hazards and deciding whether to implement open fire prohibitions, including drought conditions, current and forecasted weather, predicted wildfire behaviour and the availability of firefighting resources,” the wildfire service states. “The Cariboo region continues to experience significant drought conditions. We urge members of the public and industry to be extra vigilant when monitoring and in ensuring extinguishment of open burns.”

In addition to open burning, the prohibition includes fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, air curtain burners, carbonizers and controlled air incinerators.

Campfires, classified as Category 1 or less than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide, are still allowed.

Category 2 fires are described as material in one pile not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width, two piles each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width and stubble or grass over an area not exceeding 0.2 hectares.

The wildfire service says anyone found in violation of an open burning prohibition may be fined up to $1,150.

This prohibition in the Cariboo will remain in place until 12:00 p.m. noon on Oct. 31, 2025, or until the order is rescinded.