What are the different types of fire bans in BC?
Wildfire season usually sparks fire restrictions throughout the province of BC due to local fire hazards, current and forecast weather conditions, and the level of fire activity in the region.
For example, a fire ban may be implemented in anticipation of lightning-caused wildfires because the BC Wildfire Service cannot risk having to divert their resources for human-caused fires.
What is a Category One campfire?
A Category One campfire is any open fire that is less than 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide, and can be used for recreational purposes by anyone or for ceremonial purposes by a First Nation.
When enjoying a campfire, it’s essential to have a fuel break around it. By clearing the surrounding area of debris and combustible materials, the fire is less likely to become out of control. Having a rock ring, fire pit, or other non-flammable barrier can also help prevent the flames from spreading.
Additionally, it’s paramount that there is at least eight litres of water or a hand tool available during a campfire in case it does get out of control.
What is a Category Two open fire?
A Category Two open fire refers to a fire that burns material in one pile that is less than two metres tall and three metres wide, a fire that burns material concurrently in two piles that are each less than two metres tall and three metres wide, or a fire that burns stubble or grass over an area that is less than 0.2 hectares.
It’s required that someone is always monitoring the open fire so it doesn’t spread, and at least one person should be equipped with a firefighting hand tool at all times.
Having an adequate fire suppression system available at the burn site is also important for fire control if the fire escapes.
Establishing and maintaining a fuel break around the fire is essential. If the fire spreads beyond the fuel break, the person who lit, fueled, or used the open fire must carry out fire control immediately, extinguish the fire if possible, and report it.
Before leaving the open fire area, the ashes must be cold to the touch to ensure the fire is completely put out.
What is a Category Three open fire?
While Category Three open fires have the same requirements as Category Two open fires for fuel breaks and fire control, these fires are on a larger scale.
A Category Three open fire burns material concurrently in three or more piles that are each smaller than two metres in height and three metres in width, material in one or more piles that are larger than two metres in height and three metres in width, one or more windrows that do not exceed 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width, or stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.
For these fires, a fuel break must be established and maintained around each pile, windrow, or grass or stubble area that’s burning.
Anyone lighting a Category Three fire must first obtain a burn registration number, and it must be extinguished by the date specified by the official during registration.
What are the consequences of starting a prohibited fire?
Approximately 40% of wildfires are human-caused, and sometimes they’re a result of open burning, even when restrictions are in effect.
Any individual who is found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be given a violation ticket of $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 with a possible one-year jail sentence. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may also be ordered to pay for all firefighting and associated costs.
To help prevent wildfires, we ask all residents to follow fire restrictions, as well as encourage property owners to implement mitigation strategies to reduce their property’s risk of ignition. More information about open burning can be found at the Government of BC website.
Have questions? Contact SparkProof.