Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff 

The public is being informed that all campfires and Category 2 and 3 open fires are prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre.

This prohibition is being implemented due to increased fire danger ratings and a warming trend throughout the Southeast. 

All burning piles of stubble or grass is prohibited under the Category 2 and 3 regulations, and people should be aware that these rules apply to all public and private land. The following is also prohibited:

• Fireworks

• Binary exploding targets

• Air curtain burners

• Sky lanterns

• Burn barrels or burn cages

This prohibition does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.

Check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire. 

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 fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. 

If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The Southeast Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its continuing help in preventing wildfires.