File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Early Fire Prohibition

Category 2 and 3 open burning ban for Cariboo Fire Centre takes effect in two weeks

Mar 14, 2024 | 10:24 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Residents in the Cariboo Fire Centre have been given two weeks’ notice to get their open burning done.

In a news release issued Thursday (March 14), the BC Wildfire Service says Category 2 and 3 open fires will be prohibited across the entire Cariboo Fire Centre effective 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 28.

Last year, Category 2 open fires weren’t prohibited in the Cariboo Fire Centre until May 11.

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, and the availability of firefighting resources,” the wildfire service states. “The Cariboo region has experienced an unseasonably dry fall and winter resulting in high 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 and air curtain burners.

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

This prohibition in the Cariboo will remain in place until 12:00 p.m. noon on Nov. 1 or until the order is rescinded.