Number of abandoned campfires increase on long weekend

The BC Wildfire Service responded to 32 abandoned campfires in the Castlegar forest region, over the B.C. Day long weekend in the Southeast Fire Centre. The public is being urged to be more careful with fire use to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Over the weekend, fire wardens discovered and extinguished 21 abandoned campfires in Kamloops district as well. 

It has been reported that up to 58 abandoned campfires were responded to over the recent B.C. Day long weekend.

Abandoned campfires can easily spark wildfires. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert firefighting resources away from naturally occurring wildfires.

Since Friday, the BC Wildfire Service has responded to nine lightning-caused wildfires and one human-caused wildfire in the Southeast Fire Centre. Since April 1, 2016, it has responded to 82 wildfires in the region that have burned 329 hectares. Forty-six of these fires were lightning-caused and 36 are suspected to be human-caused.

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.

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

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