FORT ST. JOHN -- All open fires is now banned across northeast B.C.

According to the Prince George Fire Centre, campfires, Category 2 and 3 open fires are prohibited.

They are also banning the use of torches, chimineas, outdoor stoves without a CSA or ULC rating, fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and binary exploding targets.

“The B.C. government recognizes that camping is a long-standing tradition in this province and that people enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire ban very seriously. Multiple factors are taken into consideration when assessing wildfire hazards,” writes the Prince George Fire Centre in their statement.

The prohibition will remain in effect until October 15th at noon or until it is rescinded. It applies to all public and private lands unless otherwise specified (e.g. in an enactment or local government bylaw).

Anyone who disobeys this ban may be fined $1,150, required to pay a penalty up to $10,000 and if convicted, may be fined up to $100,000 or face jail time.

If the open fire contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.