The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says cooler temperatures and rain in the central Interior mean that it has been able to rescind a campfire ban in the Cariboo region.
As of noon Friday, the ban was lifted for the entire Cariboo Fire Centre, except for the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area.
Despite the rescinding of the ban, it is still important to be diligent, the BCWS says.
“Although fire danger ratings have dropped due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is reminded to exercise caution. Avoid having a campfire when it’s windy,” it said on social media.
“Fire danger is constantly being measured, and campfire prohibitions may return if conditions change.”
Campfire bans remain in the rest of the province — including the Coastal Fire Centre — with the exception of the Prince George Fire Centre.
The first fire ban of the season was issued in March, triggered by drought and unseasonably warm weather. That ban came just as the BC River Forecast Centre released a snowpack data report showing the province had the second lowest snowpack ever for that time of year.
The service says campfires are defined as open fires no bigger than half a metre in high and half a metre wide and notes that larger open fires larger remain prohibited. As well, fireworks, firecrackers, and sky lanterns are also not permitted.
Across the province, there are just under 330 active wildfires. Only one of these — the Corya Creek fire north of Smithers — is considered a wildfire of note and is classified as Out of Control. It is almost 200 hectares in size, and an evacuation alert in the area has been in effect since Aug. 18.
With files from Michael Williams and Hana Mae Nassar.