Officials are lifting a ban on campfires in northern B.C.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have reduced the wildfire risk in the northwest and Prince George Fire Centres, the latter covering B.C.’s northeast region, including the Peace and Fort Nelson.
A provincewide ban on campfires has been in place since July 12 and remains in place for the southern part of B.C. as hot weather is forecast to return and hundreds of people remain out of their homes.
In the north, only campfires that are smaller than 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide will be allowed. Fireworks, lanterns and burn barrels continue to be banned.
Daybreak North5:19Weather and wildfires
Another hot stretch expected
The ban on campfires continues to apply in the Cariboo Fire District, which includes Quesnel, although wetter weather in the region has eased the fire risk.
As of July 29, the Cariboo Regional District had lifted all evacuation orders for the region, and only a small alert remains in place for the Tatelkuz Lake North region northwest of Quesnel.
Barkerville historic park reopening
There are no longer any evacuation orders or alerts for the Antler Creek wildfire, which put more than 100 people out of their homes in the District of Wells and shut down the historic Gold Rush town of Barkerville on July 21.
Residents of Wells have been allowed to return to their homes since July 26, and after a week of cleanup, Barkerville has announced plans to reopen to tourists on Friday, Aug. 2.
“It feels great,” said Barkerville manager Stewart Cawood, noting that the historic site is largely unscathed despite a few “scorch marks” on boardwalks.
“There was no substantial damage to the town, and so we’re just very relieved. We’re very excited, and the public seems to be excited as well.”
Danger of new fires still exists
Despite the reprieve, wildfire officials caution that underlying dry conditions remain in place for most of the province, and caution should be exercised no matter where people are.
“Avoid having a campfire when it’s windy. Choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris, and do not leave a campfire unattended for any amount of time,” the B.C. Wildfire Service said in a statement.