Number of abandoned campfires during long weekend alarm Southeast Fire Centre
By Nelson Daily Staff
While there were no major fires to report in the Southeast Fire Centre, officials are sending out a warning to the public after the BC Wildfire Service responded to 32 abandoned campfires over the B.C. Day long weekend in region.
“The public is being urged to be more careful with fire use to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires,” the Southeast Fire Centre said in a media release.
“Abandoned campfires can easily spark wildfires. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert firefighting resources away from naturally occurring wildfires.”
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Southeast Fire Centre officials said Since Friday, when a major thunderstorm rolled through the area, the BC Wildfire Service responded to nine lightning-caused wildfires and one human-caused wildfire in the region.
Since April 1, 2016, it has responded to 82 wildfires in the region that have burned 329 hectares with 46 of these fires lightning-caused and 36 are suspected to be human-caused.
Currently, the fire danger rating throughout much of the Southeast Fire Centre is “moderate”.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest wildfire news:
- on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
- on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
