Given the current dry conditions, the Cariboo Fire Centre (CFC) is encouraging the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities in the coming weeks.
While FireSmart activities are encouraged at this time of year to reduce the risk of wildfires on private property, there is a safe way to conduct backyard burning. Anyone wishing to light an open fire must watch for changing weather conditions and follow all burning regulations in order to reduce the number of preventable wildfires.
Even the spring season can present significant fire risks. The grass and small shrub layer is drying out quickly at lower elevations and in valley bottoms, due to increased temperatures, lack of precipitation and wind. Fires in these situations can spread very rapidly, especially when driven by wind.
The public is also advised that restrictions on backyard burning and industrial burning may come into effect earlier than usual in the region this year.
Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to visit the BC Wildfire Service website at www.bcwildfire.ca/Prevention to consult the Homeowner’s FireSmart Manual and take the following precautions:
• Ensure enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break and help stop the fire from spreading beyond its intended size. Each of these fires should be kept small and must be completely extinguished before starting a new fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area for any length of time.
Before conducting a burn, check with your local fire department, municipality or regional district to check if there are any open burning restrictions or bylaws in effect.
If you are planning to burn a pile larger than two metres high by three metres wide, burn more than two piles of any size, or are conducting a grass burn over 0.2 hectares (Category 3 fires), you must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1-888-797-1717.
Always check the venting conditions before conducting an open burn. If venting conditions are rated “poor” or “fair”, open burning is restricted. The venting index can be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html
Be advised that, if your fire escapes, you may be liable for fire-suppression costs and damages. It is the responsibility of the individuals to ensure they are burning in a safe, responsible manner that is in accordance with current restrictions.
Up-to-date information on burning restrictions and current wildfire activity can be obtained by calling 1-888-3-FOREST (36-7278), or online at: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest wildfire news:
• On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
