Be prepared, help prevent wildfires this long weekend

Residents, travellers and campers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend.

Above-normal temperatures, combined with drought conditions throughout most of the province, are increasing the potential for wildfires. People should be prepared for wildfire and heat, have an emergency plan and stay informed as conditions change.

Since April 1, 2023, more than 220 wildfires have burned more than 135,000 hectares, largely within the Prince George Fire Centre. Of these fires, 85% were human-caused and were preventable. Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility.

Category 2 and 3 open burning fires are now prohibited across the most of the province. Campfires (known as Category 1) are prohibited throughout the Prince George Fire Centre as of noon on Friday, May 19, 2023. For information specific to your region, visit:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions

Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined as much as $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

While the majority of wildfires that occur in the spring are typically human-caused, with the return to more seasonal conditions, there is an increasing probability of lightning-caused fires. The BC Wildfire Service is closely monitoring these changing conditions and making preparations with strategic aviation and crew placements.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone or download the BC Wildfire Service app. The mobile app allows individuals to submit photos along with their report which helps inform BC Wildfire Service operational decision-making.

Stay informed as conditions change through the BC Wildfire Service app or:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

Campfires:

Additional precautions:

FireSmart tips for property owners/renters:

Heat warnings:

Preparing for and responding to hot weather:

Health:

Travelling: Know before you go:

Learn More:

BC Wildfire Service information and updates: http://www.bcwildfire.ca/

For the latest videos from wildfire incidents visit: https://www.youtube.com/@BCWildfireService

Fire bans and restrictions:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions

Emergency information:http://www.emergencyinfobc.caand http://www.twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC

To check current weather alerts, visit: http://weather.gc.ca

Air quality advisories:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-quality/air-advisories

For preparedness guides from PreparedBC, including floods, wildfires and extreme heat, visit:http://www.preparedbc.ca

For tips about how to prepare grab-and-go bags, visit: http://www.preparedbc.ca/emergencykit

To register for Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

To stay informed the latest road conditions, visit: http://www.drivebc.ca

BC Centre for Disease Control information about preparing for heat events:http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/preparing-for-heat-events