Burn ban begins in northern B.C. — weeks earlier than past years

An open burning ban is in effect for parts of the Prince George Fire Centre, which includes the Peace and Fort Nelson regions.

Starting at noon on March 28, Category 2 and 3 open burning will be prohibited across the Prince George, Stuart Nechako, Mackenzie, Peace and Fort Nelson Forest Districts.

Bans are typically issued in late April or May, but Thursday's ban is coming into place weeks earlier than usual due to persistent dry conditions and low precipitation that has been recorded across the province.

The dry conditions are particularly pronounced in the province's north-central and northeast regions, the Prince George Wildfire Centre said in a release.

The Category 2 and 3 fire bans include fireworks, sky lanterns and burn barrels, but they do not prohibit campfires that are less than a half-metre wide and a half-metre tall, or the use of cooking stoves that utilize gas, propane, or briquettes.

The wildfire centre said Wednesday that there is an "increased incidence" of human-caused wildfires over the past few weeks, as well as a high risk of grass fires due to dry conditions.

Fire bans are coming into place days after the province warned of an early and "challenging" wildfire season this year.

The B.C. Wildfire Service currently lists 97 fires currently burning across the province, the majority of which are holdovers from 2023. Eight of the currently listed wildfires were discovered this year.

None are currently listed as being "fires of note," which is the term used for fires that are particularly visible or threatening communities and infrastructure.

The bans are in place until Oct. 15, 2024, unless they are otherwise rescinded.

The penalty for violating a ban can include a ticket of up to $1,150, or a fine of $100,000 and one year in jail if convicted.

WATCH | How residents can prepare for a dry summer: 

How can people in B.C. prepare for drought and wildfire season?

9 months ago

Duration 1:49

As spring arrives, B.C. officials are already warning of an early and "challenging" wildfire season. Assistant Prof. Andréanne Doyon, director of the resource and environmental management planning program at SFU, tells BC Today guest host Dan Burritt that people need to think about protecting themselves and their neighbours well in advance.