Category 3 open fires to be permitted in the Cariboo

Category 3 open fires will be permitted as of noon today.

The prohibition will be rescinded for the entire Cariboo Fire Centre including theTsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title area.

A category 3 fire is categorized by having:

– Material in three or more piles, each not exceeding 2 metres in height or 3 metres in width,

– Material in one or more piles, each not exceeding 2 metres in height, or 3 metres in width,

– One or more windrows each not exceeding 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width, or

– Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares.

Anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must obtain a burn registration number through the province prior to burning, available through the province. Anyone who lights a Category 3 open fire must comply with B/C’s Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations, as well as check with their local government, including First Nations, as local restrictions may be in place.

Lighting an open fire that violates the regulations may be a ticketed and fined offense. A ticket of $1,150 may be issued to anyone who is in contravention of the regulations. Additionally, anyone may be required to pay a penalty of $10,000, or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.

For more information on Category 3 open fire regulations, safety, and penalties for violations, visit the province’s website.