The summer ban on open fires and fireworks has been lifted for the Mount Waddington Regional District, though a warm and dry fall has prompted its extension in much of the Coastal Fire Centre region, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations announced last week.
This prohibition, which has been extended through Oct. 15, is intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. Specifically, this open-fire prohibition applies to:
* The burning of any waste, slash or other material (piled or unpiled) smaller than two metres in height and three metres in width.
* The burning of stubble or grass over an area less than 2,000 square metres.
* The use of fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description.
This prohibition applies to all areas within the Coastal Fire Centre, with the exception of the Skeena-Queen Charlotte, Mount Waddington and Central Coast regional districts.
This prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest-fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department.
Please check with civic authorities for any restrictions before lighting a fire. More information about open burning regulations and fire prohibitions can be found at: www.bcwildfire.ca.