A fire ban is in effect in the Cariboo Fire Centre region.
The Cariboo Fire Centre is currently experiencing dry conditions and elevated fire danger ratings, according to a news release. The fire danger rating is “extreme” throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre, with some small pockets of a “high” fire danger rating.
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Previously, campfires were only banned in the Chilcotin region. This expanded campfire ban will remain in place until the public is notified otherwise.
The ban includes:
- Campfires.
- Category 2 open fires.
- Category 3 open fires.
- The use of tiki torches, fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description.
- Fires burning woody debris in outdoor stoves.
- The use of binary exploding targets.
The prohibition does not ban cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.
The fine for ignoring a fire ban is $1,150. If convicted in court, an additional fine can be up to $100,000 and a sentence of one year in jail.
If the fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be subject to a penalty of up to $100,000 and ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
