100 Mile Fire Rescue would like to remind the public to check with BC Wildfire or their municipality before they burn after responding to a small wildland fire on Grey Cresent on May 4, says fire chief Roger Hollander.
“Upon arrival, our crews observed a small grass fire that was caused by the owner of the property burning brush. The fire escaped from his pile and ignited the surrounding dry grass.”
Crews fully extinguished the fire without property damage or injuries, according to Hollander.
He adds Category 2 burning is not permitted at this time and that it is the responsibility of the person lighting the fire to contact BC Wildfire or the municipality before burning.
Cariboo Fire Centre communications specialist Jessica Mack reiterated the ban.
“We would like to remind the public that there is a prohibition of Resource Management Open Fires, Category 2 and 3 Open Fire and named section 12 activities across the province. This was done to minimize human-caused wildfires and to protect the health and safety of BC Wildfire Service staff from the potential of unnecessary risk and exposure to COVID-19. It will also help reduce the impact of wildfire smoke on air quality and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
If there’s a report of smoke caused by someone burning in contravention, staff are sent out to investigate, unnecessarily putting them at risk, says Mack.
“Every time that a member of our staff is required to go into the field they are at an increased risk of exposure and we urge everyone to follow the current prohibition to keep our first responders and the public safe.”
