Friday, September 2, 2011

Play it safe with fire this Labour Day long weekend

From the Province of BC:

With sunny and warm conditions predicted for the last long weekend of the summer, the Cariboo Fire Centre is urging the public to be careful with fire use.

So far this season, crews have responded to 40 wildfires within the Cariboo Fire Centre’s boundaries, 33 of which were person-caused and therefore, entirely preventable.

The public is also reminded that a burn restriction is still in place that specifically prohibits:

· Burning any waste, slash or other materials piled or un-piled at a size larger than one metre by one metre.
· Burning more than two open fires of any size at the same time.
· Burning stubble or grass over any area or size.
· Using fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description.

Please ensure fires are not lit or kept burning during windy conditions. Have adequate tools, water and people on hand to contain a fire, and ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Quote:

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson

“Thanks to the unsettled weather and cool conditions in most of the province, this fire season has been one of the slowest on record. However, over 80 per cent of the fires in the Cariboo Fire Centre have been human-caused, so I am urging people to be vigilant with any outdoor burning and to remember that a wildfire can start in an instant, even in cooler weather.”

Learn More:

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news

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