Steve's Meeting/Expense Calendar - April 2026

During the month of April 2026 -- I attended the following meetings or events: 

* April 8, 2026 -- AGM for the Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce (at invitation of Manager, Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce) 

* April 10, 2026 -- Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

* April 21, 2026 -- Spring 2026 Meeting of Gibraltar Mines' Technical Advisory Committee held at the McLeese Lake Community Hall 

* April 23, 2026 -- Photo Op for new artwork installed in the public viewing area of the West Fraser Aquatic Centre with Cariboo RD Area "E" Director Melynda Neufeld and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor 

* April 25, 2026 - "Seedy Saturday" event at McLeese Lake Library 

* April 28, 2026 -- Zoom meeting for BC Electoral Area Directors - hosted by Director Jerrilyn Kirk (RD Fraser Fort George), UBCM Electoral Area Director Representative for 2025-26 term... 

* April 29, 2026 -- Cariboo-Chilcotin Forest Landscape Planning Open House at the Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in Williams Lake ... 

As well -- remained in regular contact with the Cariboo RD Area "D" Alternate Director (A. Bennetts) to use her as a "sounding board" for items that I have been working on as the Cariboo RD Area "D" Director 

Finally: responded to regular monthly inquiries from Cariboo RD Area "D" residents' via phone/text, email or social media... 

Expenses submitted in April 2026:

* April 10, 2026 -- $129 for Meetings of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Cariboo Regional District Boards' 

Evacuation ALERT issued for the Webster Creek Fire Area (Cariboo RD - Area "K") - April 30, 2026

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD Emergency Operations Centre:

April 30, 2026

3:30pm 

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for 8 parcels in the Webster Creek Fire Area.  This alert covers 696.57 hectares.

Because of the potential danger to life and health, the Cariboo Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert for this area:

Evacuation Alert and Map (PDF)

See a map of the affected areas: cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to give you time to prepare to evacuate your premises or property should it be required. 

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible if an evacuation order is required; however, we may not have time to go door-to-door due to changing conditions. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for an evacuation order:

·        Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.

·        Make grab-and-go bags for each member of your household to keep essential items readily available for a quick departure. Pack clothing, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.).

·        Ensure that any dependents or pets are prepared for departure. Gather comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals, etc.) for your dependents to make an evacuation less stressful. Gather any kennels or leashes to make transportation safe with your pets.

·        Move pets and livestock to a safe area if they cannot be evacuated. Ensure water and feed are available.

·        Keep the fuel tanks of personal vehicles full in case a new order is issued.

·        Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. An Evacuee Reception Centre will be made available if required. Homeowner or tenant insurance may provide greater support than ESS will be able to.

·        In the event you are evacuated, do not shut off your natural gas. For more information, visit fortisbc.com/forestfires.

·        Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook and cariboord.ca. 

·        If you are on an evacuation ALERT, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for Emergency Support Services. You will need to sign up for the BC Services Card app to access the self-registration tool, which will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ 

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit Cariboo Regional District's website, Emergency Operations Centre Facebook page, Twitter / X feed or call the Emergency Information Line at 1-866-759-4977 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm).

Williams Lake Council Highlights - April 28, 2026 mtg

Present: Mayor Rathor; Councillors Boehm (via Zoom), Delainey, Flaspohler and Nelson (via Zoom)

Meeting called to order at 6:00pm

Mayor Rathor recognized that the meeting was taking place on the traditional unceded territory of Williams Lake First Nation within Secwepemculecw 

Meeting Video - click here 

Meeting Agenda - click here

Meeting Agenda adopted

Minutes of the previous Council meeting were received/adopted

Delegations:

1) Interior Health re: Quarterly Update - presentation here

2) Kane Fraser, MNP Chartered Professional Accountants regarding City of Williams Lake Audited 2025 Financial Statements and Auditor's Report

After each presentation -- a Question/Answer period ensued... 

Mayor Rathor thanked each delegation for their time/information 

Response to Delegations:

1) Council approved the 2025 City of Williams Lake annual financial statements as presented, receive, and accept the auditor’s report and authorized the Mayor and the Chief Financial Officer to sign the management letter and the financial statements on behalf of the City.  Council also authorized the Chief Financial Officer to make the submission of the audited financial statements and any other relevant financial information to the Inspector of Municipalities, as required

Business:

1) Council received for information the accounts payable computer cheque and EFT listings dated April 16 and 23, 2026

2) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to "City of Williams Lake Officers Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2435, 2026" (appointment of Approving Officer and Deputy Approving Officers)

3) Council approved the 2026/2027 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit

4) Council approved compensation and other associated expenses for Mayor Rathor to attend the BC Modular Housing Summit in Penticton, BC from May 5 to 6, 2026

5) Council gave 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings to “City of Williams Lake General Local Election Bylaw No. 2436, 2026” and the “City of Williams Lake Sign Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2437, 2026”

6) Council authorized the payment of $83,402.09 to the Cariboo Regional District to rectify the inconsistency in billings to the CRD in 2024 and 2025 for the Cariboo Memorial Recreational Complex

7) Council approved the retroactive pay of $70,690.34 to Environmental 360 Solutions Ltd. for solid waste and recycling collection underpayment that occurred in 2024 and 2025

8) Council approved the extension of the Waste and Recyclables Collection Contract for an additional three-year term, as negotiated with Environmental 360 Services Ltd. (E360), in accordance with Section 3(c)(2) of the current Contract

9) Council approved the curbside adjacency agreement between the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District for a three-year period

10) Council approved the Scout Island Watermain Replacement West Distribution tender to Morben Construction Ltd. for the tendered price of $517,129.07, including applicable taxes, for a total cost including contingency and engineering of $597,129.07, with any amounts exceeding the approved budget to be covered by the Water Reserve Fund

11) Council received for information the list of additional streets being reviewed by staff to be incorporated into the Asphalt Resurfacing 2026 contract, to fully utilize available budget

12) Council awarded the contract for the supply of unleaded gasoline and diesel to Gary Young Agencies for proposed price linked to the daily rack price, which as of April 6, 2026 was $1.7514 per litre of Unleaded Gasoline and $2.0769 per litre of Diesel, including all applicable taxes

13) Council received a report of the Director of Municipal Services dated April 23, 2026 regarding a request from the Williams Lake Stampede Association for the City to extend dust control services to the Williams Lake Stampede Park campground and Staff were directed to provide dust control services in the campground area to the Stampede Association for an approximate cost of $2,600.00/year

CONTRARY TO THE MOTION: Councillor A. Delainey

14) Council supported an application to the 2026 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Program for $200,000 towards Williams Lake Community Wildfire Risk Reduction initiatives.... 

15) Council adopted "City of Williams Lake Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2433, 2026"

16) Council rescinded 2nd and 3rd Readings of “City of Williams Lake Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2434, 2026” as given on April 14, 2026, agreed to amend the bylaw with revised wording included in Schedule ‘A’ in the Staff report dated April 20, 2026 and “City of Williams Lake Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2434, 2026” was given second and third readings, as amended

17) Council received for information: 

* List of recognitions approved in accordance with Council Policy No. 235 - Proclamation or Lighting Requests 

* Council Information Package as of April 28, 2026

Members of Council provided verbal reports on their recent activities 

And then Council adjourned at 8:00pm 

Cariboo RD Area "J"/Konni Lake Fire Area - Evacuation Alert RESCIND April 28 2026

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD Emergency Operations Centre:

The Evacuation Alert issued April 23, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. for the Konni Lake Fire Area has been lifted by Xeni Gwet’in First Nation Government, Tŝilhqot’in National Government and the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

Evacuation Alert LIFT and Map (PDF)

See a map of the affected areas: cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts   

An Evacuation Alert or Order may need to be reissued if it is deemed necessary. Residents must be prepared if the area receives a future evacuation order or alert on short notice. Residents are advised to ensure they maintain their emergency kits and monitor the EOC and BC Wildfire’s social media pages to stay informed.

To ensure public safety, stay out of fire affected areas and obey all warning and hazard signs.

For areas that have been impacted by wildfire, residents should be aware there may be danger trees in wildfire affected areas. Home owners and private land owners are recommended to work with an insurance agency to have an assessment done by a qualified arborist on their private property by a qualified arborist.

Air quality may remain poor as a result of smoke from nearby fire activity. Those with respiratory issues, small children, and the elderly should consider this before they choose to return to the area. The BC Centre for Disease Control and regional health authorities have further information on their websites about the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding any new Evacuation Alerts and Orders impacting them. You must register to receive notifications from this system, as these are non-intrusive broadcast alerts.

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit Cariboo Regional District's website, Emergency Operations Centre Facebook page, Twitter / X feed, or call the Emergency Information Line at 1-866-759-4977 (Monday to Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm) or the TNG at 250-392-0735.

100 Mile House District Council meets today (April 28, 2026)

Later today (April 28, 2026) -- District of 100 Mile House Council will be meeting in 100 Mile House Council Chambers, as follows: 

1) Committee of the Whole at 4:00pm

On the Agenda: 

* Discussion Items -- ORV Bylaw; Enbridge Sunrise Expansion Project and next steps; 100 Mile House Campground and Outdoor Multi-Use Facility 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Regular Council Meeting at 5:30pm

On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: 100 Mile RCMP

* Public Hearing – OCP & Zoning Amendment Bylaw #1469 & 1470 (490 Cedar Avenue) 

* Dogwood Avenue Parking Concerns

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings | Week of April 27-May 1, 2026

During the week of April 27-May 1, 2026 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Boards of Education will be holding meetings, as follows: 

Wells -- Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 3:15pm to 4:30pm in Wells Council Chambers/via Zoom (4243 Sanders Avenue, Wells).  When available, the Meeting Agenda can be accessed here

Quesnel -- 

1) Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee - Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 9am in the Fraser River Meeting Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

* 2025 Audit Report and 2025 Financial Statements

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Special Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 1:30pm in the Forest Innovation Centre, Quesnel City Hall (2nd Floor, 410 Kinchant St, Quesnel).  On the Agenda: 

Discussion with Lhtako Dene Nation regarding: 

* Development of a Memorandum of Understanding

* Supportive Housing and Shelter Space

* Quesnel Junior School Land Transfer and Development

* Status of Water Treatment Plant Development

View the full Open Meeting Agenda here

In addition - the meeting will be closed to the public, in part, as per Sections 90(1j + 2b) - information prohibited from public disclosure and confidential negotiations between City of Quesnel, provincial government, federal government and a 3rd Party - of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here 

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue Ave, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegation: Dist. Principal - Career Education, Kelvin Parent

* Report of SD27 Superintendent 

* Report/Recommendations from previous Committee of the Whole meeting - for endorsement

* School Fees for 26/27 School Year

* Approval 2026/27 Annual Facilities Grant Program

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda: 

* Delegations: Interior Health regarding Quarterly Update; MNP regarding 2025 Audited Financial Statements... 

* Designation of Approving Officer and Deputy Approving Officers

* BC Transit 2026/2027 Annual Operating Agreement

* Mayor Rathor's Travel to Attend BC Modular Housing Summit - May 5/6, 2026

* 2026 Election Bylaws - Readings

* Reconciliation of Billings to Cariboo Regional District for CMRC/Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex for 2024/2025 Fiscal Years 

* 2026 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program Application

* Adoption of 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2433, 2026 

* Rescind 2nd/3rd Readings of 2026 Municipal Tax Rate Bylaw No. 2434, 2026 to make a technical correction, then give the Bylaw 2nd/3rd Readings, as amended

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings, as noted below, in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake) on Friday, May 1, 2026

1) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District - Regular Board Meeting at 9:30am.  On the Agenda: 

* IH Health Communities Newsletter for April 2026

* City of Quesnel - Healthcare Recruitment for Quarter 1 2026 (Jan - March 2026) 

* Delegation at 11am: Northern Health CEO regarding General Update 

* Delegation at 11:30am: PMT Chartered Accountants regarding 2025 Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District Audited Financial Statements 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Cariboo Regional District - Regular Board Meeting at 9:45am or upon recess of the CCRHD Board meeting, whichever occurs first.  On the Agenda: 

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors only) 

* Delegation at 11:30am, following CCRHD Board on same subject -- PMT Chartered Accountants regarding 2025 Cariboo Regional District Audited Financial Statements 

* Year Round Grant for Assistance Applications - Eagleview 4D Barrel Races, Williams Lake Legion and Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society

* NDIT Applications -- Friends of Bouchie-Milburn Society – Six Mile Corner Park Project - Phase 2 and Miocene Community Centre - 2nd Well

View the full Meeting Agenda here

City of Williams Lake imposes Campfire Ban - April 24, 2026 at 12pm

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is implementing a campfire ban within City limits effective at 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The ban will remain in place until October 31, 2026, unless conditions improve and it can be rescinded earlier. Fire risk conditions will be continually reassessed throughout the season.

Evan Dean, Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services, said the decision follows two human-caused fires responded to by the Williams Lake Fire Department on April 23, 2026 - as well as increasingly dry and windy conditions developing earlier than normal for this time of year.

“The fires we responded to were not abandoned but were, unfortunately, not tended to safely,” Dean said. “People underestimate how quickly fire can escape in these dry, windy conditions. This temporary ban is a necessary step to reduce preventable ignitions and protect our community.”

The campfire ban applies to:

• Wood-burning campfires of any size
• Backyard fire pits using wood
• Burning of yard waste, grass or debris

The following are still permitted:

• Propane fire pits
• Propane and natural gas barbecues
• Charcoal briquettes
• CSA/ULC-approved gas appliances

Fine fuels such as grass and brush are highly susceptible to ignition and can spread quickly, particularly in windy conditions. The ban is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and help protect homes, neighbourhoods and emergency responders. The City and the Williams Lake Fire Department thank residents for their cooperation and vigilance. For more information, please contact the Williams Lake Fire Department at 250-392-4321.

Konni Lake Evacuation ALERT (Cariboo RD Area "J") - April 23, 2026 at 7:30pm

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD Emergency Operations Centre:

April 23, 2026

7:30pm

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by Xeni Gwet’in First Nation Government, Tŝilhqot’in National Government, and the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for 10 parcels in the Konni Lake Fire Area. This alert covers 465.96 hectares.

Because of the potential danger to life and health, the Cariboo Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert for this area:

Evacuation Alert and Map (PDF)

See an online map of the affected areas here: cariboord.ca/EOCorderalerts   

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to give you time to prepare to evacuate your premises or property should it be required. 

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible if an evacuation order is required; however, we may not have time to go door-to-door due to changing conditions. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT 

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for an evacuation order:

·        Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.

·        Make grab-and-go bags for each member of your household to keep essential items readily available for a quick departure. Pack clothing, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). 

·        Ensure that any dependents or pets are prepared for departure. Gather comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals, etc.) for your dependents to make an evacuation less stressful. Gather any kennels or leashes to make transportation safe with your pets. 

·        Move pets and livestock to a safe area if they cannot be evacuated. Ensure water and feed are available.

·        Keep the fuel tanks of personal vehicles full in case a new order is issued.

·        Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. An Evacuee Reception Centre will be made available if required. Homeowner or tenant insurance may provide greater support than ESS will be able to.

·        In the event you are evacuated, do not shut off your natural gas. For more information, visit fortisbc.com/forestfires.

·        Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook and cariboord.ca. 

·        If you are on an evacuation ALERT, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for Emergency Support Services. You will need to sign up for the BC Services Card app to access the self-registration tool, which will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ 

Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit Cariboo Regional District's website or Emergency Operations Centre Facebook page or call CRD 1-866-759-4977 or TNG 1-250-392-0735.

Quesnel Council Highlights - April 21, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Retirement Presentation - Curtis Galbraith

​​​​​Council recognized the retirement of 25-year employee Curtis Galbraith. We wish Curtis all the best in his retirement.

Image

 

COFI (Council of Forest Industries) Convention

Mayor Ron Paull provided an update on his and City Manager Joel McKay’s recent participation at the Council of Forest Industries Convention from April 8 to 10, 2026, in Vancouver. The convention brought together nearly 700 leaders from forestry, government, First Nations, business, and local communities. Speakers highlighted the Cariboo Region’s major role in BC’s forest economy. At the same time, it was clear the industry is at a crossroads, with ongoing challenges around regulations, markets, trade barriers, and access to fibre creating uncertainty for communities like Quesnel. There was also optimism around solutions, such as community-based forestry, improved wildfire management, and better use of residual fibre.

Mayor Paull had the opportunity to speak with industry representatives and take part in a Resource Works podcast, where he highlighted Quesnel’s deep forestry roots, current innovation, available mill infrastructure, skilled workforce, and future opportunities.

The key takeaway: forestry remains essential to a strong province, and real, timely action is needed to ensure the industry and communities like Quesnel can thrive into the future.

Council will be sending a letter to the Ministry of Forests and the Premier supporting the immediate need for provincial policy reform regarding the forest industry.

City of Quesnel Centennial

Council has approved the creation of a Quesnel Centennial Advisory Committee to help guide planning and engagement for the City’s 2028 Centennial celebration. Council will work with staff to bring together community stakeholders to participate on the committee.

City of Quesnel Financial Plan Bylaw 1981, 2026 and City of Quesnel Tax Rate Bylaw 1982, 2026

Council approved the first three readings of the City of City of Quesnel Financial Plan Bylaw 1981, 2026 and City of Quesnel Tax Rate Bylaw 1982, 2026.

The average residence in Quesnel (valued at $370,016) will see an increase of $36.13 (2.6%) in the municipal tax portion of their property tax invoice or $9.76 per $100,000 of assessment. A commercial business will see on average an increase of $40.79 per $100,000 of assessment, major industry -$51.64 per $100,000.

Announcements

• DeRoche Ridge Rush and Mercantile Market
  9:00 am – 11:00 pm on June 27th, 2026 at LeBourdais Park
  Scavenger hunt, local vendors, food trucks, DJ, Karaoke and more
• Category 2 and 3 open fire prohibitions coming into effect across the Cariboo Fire Centre
  Effective at 12:00 pm (noon) PDT on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Category 2 and 3 open fires and associated equipment and activities will be prohibited across the entire Cariboo Fire Centre including the Tsilhqot'in (Xeni Gwet'in) Declared Title Area.
• National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls - Red Dress Day
  A walk is being planned, and more details and a poster will be shared in the community shortly.

Category 2 and 3 open fire prohibitions coming into effect across the Cariboo Fire Centre

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

April 21, 2026

3:40pm

Effective at 12:00 p.m. (noon) PDT on Thursday, April 23 , 2026,Category 2 and 3 open fires and associated equipment and activities will be prohibited across the entire Cariboo Fire Centre including the Tsilhqot'in (Xeni Gwet'in) Declared Title Area.   Prohibition Details All Category 2 and 3 open fires must be fully extinguished by 12:00 noon on Thursday, April 23 , 2026. The prohibitions will remain in place until 12:00 noon on October 31, 2026, or until the Orders are rescinded. These prohibitions apply to the entire Cariboo Fire Centre including the Tsilhqot'in (Xeni Gwet'in) Declared Title Area, the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District, the 100 Mile House Forest District and the Quesnel Forest District. In addition, this prohibition applies to the following types of land within municipal boundaries: Parks, conservancies and recreation areas. Recreation sites, recreation trails, interpretive forest sites and trail-based recreation areas. Ecological reserves. Wildlife management areas. Private managed forest land. The following activities and use of the following equipment, materials and substances will also be prohibited: Binary exploding targets Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC Burn Barrels or Burn Cages Controlled air incinerators Air curtain burners Carbonizers   Please view a map of the prohibition area below.   Municipalities often follow BC Wildfire Service prohibitions or may impose different prohibitions based on conditions in their local area. If you are in a municipality, be sure to check if local prohibitions are in place. If you are within a regional district or improvement district, this prohibition applies as well as any local prohibition issued by the regional district or improvement district. BC Parks follows BC Wildfire Service prohibitions.   What is prohibited  A Category 3 open fire is a fire that burns: Material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width. Material in one or more piles each exceeding 2 metres in height or 3 metres in width. One or more windrows each not exceeding 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width. Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares. A Category 2 open fire is a fire, other than a category 1 campfire, that burns: Material in one pile not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width. Material concurrently in two piles each not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width. Stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.   What is not prohibited This prohibition does not include Category 1 campfires that are 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide or smaller. Outdoor stoves as defined in the Wildfire Regulation a CSA-rated or ULC-rated device used outdoors for cooking, heat or ambiance that burns charcoal briquettes, liquid fuel or gaseous fuel, and has a flame height that is less than 15 cm tall.

Multiple additional factors are taken into consideration when assessing wildfire hazards and implementing open fire prohibitions, including: Drought conditions Current and forecasted weather Predicted wildfire behavior Firefighting resource availability

The BCWS YouTube page has a number of informative videos on Open Burning and Category 3 burns including the one linked here.

The BCWS YouTube page has a number of informative videos on Open Burning and Category 2 burns including the one linked here.

Penalties Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a 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 for up to one year in jail. If your fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, you may be fined up to $1 million and/or sentenced to up to 3 years in jail, as well as be responsible for all firefighting and associated costs.   Reporting To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1. Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire. Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.   Stay in the know For the latest information on current wildfire activity, prohibitions and restrictions, road closures, and air-quality advisories please visit BCWildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.   Follow the latest wildfire news on: Facebook Instagram YouTube BC Wildfire App: available for Apple and Android   Contact Fire Information Officer Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service 778 799-2100 CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca