PROVINCIAL FIRE officials have lifted a ban on several categories of open fires in the area thanks to rainy and cool weather.

The lifting of the ban on Category 1, 2 and 3 fires applies to BC Parks and to all public (Crown) and private land outside of organized areas.

It does not apply within municipalities or regional districts that have their own burning bylaws or bans. Please check with your local authorities before lighting a fire.

Open fire is defined in three categories. A Category 1 open fire means an open fire that burns piled material no larger than one metre high and one metre wide. This Category 1 open fire ban includes the use of campfires.

A Category 2 open fire means an open fire that burns piled material no larger than two metres high and three metres wide, or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares (2000 square metres) in size.

A Category 3 open fire means an open fire that burns material in piles larger than two metres high and three metres wide, windrows, or grass over an area larger than 0.2 hectares (2000 square metres) in size.

Those who are wishing to burn are reminded to obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717.

The provincial Northwest Fire Centre in Smithers thanked the public for patience and cooperation while the burning restrictions were in place.

“During an unseasonably warm and dry fire season in the Northwest region, there were no instances of human caused wildfires while the burn restrictions were in place,” said centre informnation officer Lindsay Carnes in a press release.

“Firefighters and other resources were able to be allocated to natural occurring lightning caused fires throughout the province due to the public’s diligence.”

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks. For more information on open fire restrictions or for updates on current wildfire activity, visit www.bcwildfire.ca.