BC urges all residents, travellers to prepare for fire risks this weekend

The province is reminding British Columbians to take extra care this long weekend and be prepared for warm weather and drought conditions to increase wildfire risk.

BC’s Ministry of Emergency Management is encouraging all residents and travellers to check for road closures on DriveBC, evacuation orders or alerts, BC Parks closures and advisories and any weather alerts.

Although campfires are currently allowed across the province, people are asked to follow any local prohibitions. Click here for more information on provincial fire prohibitions.

“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,” the province says.

With the exception of the Northwest and Southeast fire centres, category two fires are banned. Additionally, with the exception of the northwest, all category three fires are banned.

If you see 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.

If you plan on taking any all-terrain vehicle out this weekend, the province reminds you that you must have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle if you are on or within 300 metres of forested land or rangeland.

The province is also urging all smokers to dispose of their smoking materials safely and ensure they are completely extinguished.