(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Fire Smart

B.C. campers encouraged to be fire smart for Victoria Day long weekend

May 22, 2021 | 9:39 AM

KAMLOOPS — As spring weather continues to warm up in many parts of the province, British Columbians are being urged to do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires and help keep communities safe.

According to the B.C. government, between April 1 to May 19, 2021, 214 wildfires burned nearly 2,147 hectares of land in British Columbia. Of those fires, 168 – about 79 per cent – were person-caused.

For areas where campfires are allowed, they must not be larger than 0.5 metres high or 0.5 metres wide. Campers are asked to never leave a campfire unattended, keep a shovel or at least eight litres of water to properly extinguish it, ensure the ashes are cool to touch before leaving an extinguished fire, keep a fuel-free area around the fire, and never light a fire or keep it burning in windy conditions.

Additional precautions include installing a spark arrestor on all-terrain vehicles that will travel within 300 metres within forestland, checking their muffler’s condition, clear grass or vegetation build-ups from hot spots, and stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grass and weeds.

Smokers must also dispose of cigarette butts and other smoking materials responsibly, ensuring they are completely extinguished.

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“I hope British Columbians enjoy the Victoria Day long weekend, but I also encourage them to use caution with any activity that could spark a wildfire. Human-caused fires are completely preventable and can unnecessarily divert firefighting resources from naturally occurring wildfires,” Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Katrine Conroy said.

Anyone found violating an open-burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150 and may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000. Or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and face a one-year jail sentence.

The B.C. government said provincial non-essential travel restrictions are in place until Tuesday, May 25 to stop the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern. Fines can be given to people who leave their region for non-essential travel.