A Category 2 open fire prohibition is coming into effect across the entire Northwest Fire Centre.
The prohibition starts at noon Saturday, August 22, and will remain in place until noon October 2, unless it is rescinded earlier.
It covers the Nadina, Coast Mountain and Skeena Stikine forest districts.
Category 3 open fires are already prohibited throughout the Northwest Fire Centre.
The new restrictions also prohibit air curtain burners, carbonizers, binary exploding targets, fireworks, burn barrels and burn cages, and controlled air incinerators.
Small Category 1 campfires are still permitted, as long as they are no larger than half a metre high by half a metre wide. Cooking stoves using gas, propane or briquettes are also allowed.
The prohibition applies to areas outside municipal boundaries, as well as specified Crown lands within municipalities. Municipalities may also have their own local restrictions, so residents are encouraged to check local rules.
Anyone violating an open fire prohibition could receive a $1,150 ticket or a $10,000 administrative penalty. If convicted in court, fines can reach $100,000, with possible jail time.
If a fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, penalties can be even higher, including fines of up to $1 million and responsibility for firefighting costs.
Wildfires can be reported by calling *5555 from a cellphone or 1-800-663-5555.
