BC Wildfire has issued a region wide fire ban for the Prince George Fire Zone, which includes Vanderhoof, in an attempt to stop human-caused wildfires in the region.
The fire ban came in to effect at noon on July 11. According to the prohibition all open fires are banned until Sept. 30 or until further notice. The ban will not affect campfires under a half-metre in height and width nor will it apply to gas, propane or charcoal cooking stoves.
Specifically outlined as prohibited by the ban is the open burning of any form of trash, slash or other materials. the burning of any amount of grass in any area as well as the use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels of any size.
The ban requires all campfires to be contained by a fireguard and all flammable debris must be removed from the area.
Furthermore, camp goers must bring eight litres of water to the fire to fully extinguish the fire when finished.
The ban affects all B.C. Parks, Crown and private lands.
Those found in violation of the ban can be issued a $345 ticket and if convicted in court may be eligible to be fined up to $100, 000 and/or sentenced to one years incarceration.
If violation of the band causes a wildfire the responsible parties may be fined up to $10, 000 as well as having to pay for all firefighting costs.
Wildfires labelled "active" by BC wildfire are currently burning throughout the B.C. interior. Most of the interior is currently experiencing a high to extreme fire risk rating.
For a detailed map of areas affected by the ban, visit bcwildfire.ca