Restrictions on open burning will be eased Thursday afternoon throughout most of the Southeast Fire Centre.
This means Category 2 and 3 open burns will be allowed in the region as of 1:00 pm Thursday, September 16, except for within the Boundary Fire Zone which includes Grand Forks.
You’re reminded to obtain a burn registration number if you plan on conducting a Category 3 open burn.
The BC Wildfire Service takes several factors into account before reducing burn restrictions, including balancing the needs of the public with needs to mitigate risks of human-caused wildfires.
Find more information from the BC Wildfire Service below:
Effective at noon Pacific Time on Thursday, September 16, 2021, all open burning will be permitted in the Cranbrook, Invermere, Columbia, Arrow and Kootenay Lake fire zones. However, open burning will remain prohibited in the Boundary fire zone.
In the Boundary Zone the following equipment and activities remain prohibited:
• Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation;
• the use of burn barrels and burn cages of any size or description;
• the use of air curtain burners;
• the use of sky lanterns;
• the use of fireworks, including firecrackers; and
• the use of binary exploding targets.
A map of the affected areas and their associated prohibitions is available online: http://ow.ly/5E3I50G9hgR
Local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place, people should always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size.
The BC Wildfire Service takes several factors into account before rescinding its open burning prohibitions. This includes balancing the needs of the public with the need to mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires. With recent and forecast weather conditions that include cooler temperatures, and higher humidity, the fire danger rating has dropped throughout most of the Southeast Fire Centre.
Anyone lighting a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. A poster explaining the different categories of open fires is available online: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32
People who do open burning should use caution and be aware of local conditions that might impact their ability to burn safely and control their open fires. Anyone who lights an open fire must also comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation. Check the local venting index by calling 1 888 281-2992 or visiting: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/venting/venting.html
The BC Wildfire Service urges people to take the following precautions with any allowed outdoor burning:
• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and stop it escaping.
• Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly, and wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fire guard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material right down to the soil.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that your fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
– Includes statement and image supplied by BC Wildfire Service
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