Province rescinds Category 2 open-burning ban for Southeast Fire Centre

With rain soaking the southern half of the province, fire danger ratings have dropped dramatically in the B.C. Interior.

In turn, Category 2 open burning prohibitions were lifted for the Southeast Fire Centre on Friday at noon.

This means residents in that area will once again be permitted to use fireworks and sky lanterns, along with burn barrels or cages.

Burning of slash and other materials will also again be permitted, provided they’re in piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide. Residents will also be allowed to burn stubble or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares (.49 of an acre).

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The province is reminding residents to take precautions with Category 2 open burning, such as not to burn in windy conditions, have at least one person equipped with a firefighting hand tool monitoring the fire at all times, and to make sure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the area.

The province says anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a fine of $1,150 and may face further penalties and possible court time.

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Category 3 fires, which are any fires larger than two metres high by three metres wide, remain prohibited for the time being in the Southeast Fire Centre.

In the Kamloops Fire Centre, the Category 2 open fire ban is still in effect.

Campfires are permitted in both fire centres.

For more about the fire bans and restrictions in the Southeast Fire Centre, click here.

For more about the fire bans and restrictions in the Kamloops Fire Centre, click here.

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