MEDIA RELEASE April 8, 2020
Category 2 and Category 3, Resource Open Management Fires Prohibited
qathet Regional District, B.C. – Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Thursday, April 16, 2020, most open burning activities will be prohibited throughout British Columbia to reduce the likelihood of human caused wildfires. These prohibitions apply to all public and private land within British Columbia, unless specified otherwise by local government bylaws.
The following activities are banned until further notice:
Category 2 Fires
Category 3 Fires
Resource Management open fires
Use of fireworks
Use of sky lanterns
Use of burn barrels or cages of any size (except for campfires)
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. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll free or *5555 on mobile phone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, and air quality advisories, go to the Government of BC Wildfire Service.
Smoke pollution from open burning can seriously impact health, as well as the health and well-being of neighbours and family members. Reducing the risk of human-caused wildfires in the province will allow firefighters to remain healthy and able to respond rapidly when required. For specific community restrictions, please review the City of Powell River Media Release on Backyard Burning and Tla’amin Nation website.
For the most up-to-date information during the COVID-19 state of emergency, visit the Regional Emergency Operations Centre webpage.
CONTACT:
Ryan Thoms,
Manager of Emergency Services
#105, 4675 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
(604) 485-2260 ext. 201
rthoms@qathet.ca