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Stay fire safe this weekend

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(via File)

The province is reminding residents to be fire smart when heading out over the long weekend.

Unseasonably warm and dry conditions have resulted in higher fire danger ratings in some areas, the province says in a release.

Human-caused fires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert crucial firefighting resources away from naturally occurring wildfires, they added.

"I encourage everyone to enjoy the great outdoors this long weekend, but also to follow the rules and ensure that their activities don't spark a wildfire," says Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

Campfires are permitted throughout the province within the B.C. Wildfire Service's jurisdiction, but larger Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited in some areas to reduce wildfire risks and protect public safety. The use of fireworks is also prohibited in some regions.

Detailed information about current restrictions is available at www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirebans.

Local governments might also have their own burning restrictions or bylaws in place, so people should always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size, the province says.

If you are planning a campfire, remember: Anyone who lights a campfire is legally responsible for making sure it does not escape. That person could be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if their negligence results in a wildfire. Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.

— John K. White, Castanet