Use caution, be fire safe this long weekend

VICTORIA - People are urged to continue to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this Labour Day long weekend.

Although some areas have benefited from recent rain, much of the province is experiencing above-normal drought conditions. Residents and travellers should continue to use caution and take steps to reduce the risk of wildfire by staying up to date on current conditions, following fire bans and restrictions, and having an emergency plan that is shared with friends and family. The most up-to-date information on wildfire activity in B.C. can be found here: https://WildfireSituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard

While the BC Wildfire Service has lifted its campfire bans, people should check with local governments, First Nations and other authorities, such as BC Parks, to see if any burning restrictions or bylaws are in effect.

People planning to have campfires should do so safely. Avoid having a campfire when it's windy, choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris, and do not leave a campfire unattended for any amount of time.

People are encouraged to safely explore British Columbia. As conditions can change quickly, people who are travelling should check ahead for road closures, evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and other prohibitions such as BC Parks closures. Please follow all instructions from local governments or First Nations. For more information about emergencies or road closures in the province, please check https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca and https://DriveBC.ca before you travel.

The BC Wildfire Service relies on members of the public to report wildfires and thanks the public for its ongoing help in reporting wildfires quickly. Approximately 40% of new fires are first reported by the public. Reporting wildfires or dangerous activities that might cause wildfires is a way people can help keep everyone safe. The sooner a wildfire is reported, the sooner a response can begin.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or an open-burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone or download the BC Wildfire Service app. The newly improved BC Wildfire Service mobile app allows people to check the current wildfire situation, road conditions, and weather forecasts. Users can also report new wildfires and submit photos, which helps inform BC Wildfire Service operational decision-making.

Additional precautions:

• Anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle on or within 300 metres of forested land or rangeland must have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle.
• To help reduce wildfire risks, check the condition of the muffler, regularly clear buildups of grass or other vegetation from hot spots, stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grass and weeds.
• Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, ensuring they are completely extinguished.

Learn More:

For the latest information about the current wildfire situation, including fire bans and restrictions, in B.C. go to: https://bcwildfire.ca

To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll free, or *5555 on a cellphone or download the BC Wildfire Service app.

For information about active evacuation alerts and evacuation orders, visit: https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca

To check current weather alerts, visit: https://weather.gc.ca/

To create a personalized emergency and evacuation plan with the new Emergency Ready Planner, visit: https://preparedbc.ca/EmergencyReady

To stay informed about the latest road conditions, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/

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