Effective at noon Mountain Time on Friday, July 24, 2020, Category 2 open burning will be prohibited within the District of Sparwood. The implementation of this prohibition, which is consistent with the one issued by BC Wildfire Service Southeast Fire Centre, will help prevent wildfires sparked by Category 2 open burns and to protect public safety. It will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified.
Anyone conducting a Category 2 open burn anywhere within the District of Sparwood must extinguish any such fire by the deadline. This prohibition is in addition to the Category 3 open burning prohibition that was put in place throughout the District on April 16, 2020.
Specifically, a Category 2 prohibition includes:
- open fires larger than 0.6 metres wide by 0.6 metres high;
- stubble or grass fires of any size over any area;
- the use of burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description;
- the use of air curtain burners;
- the use of sky lanterns;
- the use of fireworks; and
- the use of binary exploding targets (e.g., for target practice).
These prohibitions do not apply to campfires (which includes fire pits) that are smaller than 0.6 metres (2 feet) high by 0.6 metres (2 feet) wide or to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes. Campfires should not be lit or kept burning during windy conditions. Anyone who lights a campfire must ensure that enough water, tools and people are always on hand to contain it. Make sure that the fire is fully extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
These prohibitions apply to all public and private land unless specified otherwise in Fire Services Bylaw 974, 2008. Check with the Fire Chief for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket up to $250. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Call Sparwood Fire Services at 250.425.0558 to report an unattended campfire or open burning violation. To report a wildfire, please call 911 immediately. For the latest information on fire restrictions, current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories:
- in Sparwood, visit www.sparwood.ca/fire,
- in British Columbia, visit www.bcwildfire.ca.
This helpful poster explains the difference between campfires, Category 2, and Category 3 fire.
For more information please , please contact:
Chief Spry
250.425.0558 | dspry@sparwood.ca
Post Date: July 24, 2020 | Category: News & Updates