DAWSON CREEK -- Beginning at noon on Friday, The BC Wildfire Service says all open burning will be prohibited in northeast British Columbia.

Record breaking temperatures are expected to hit the Peace Region starting this weekend,

causing increased fire danger ratings.

In addition to Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, this prohibition covers the following activities:

• fireworks;

• sky lanterns; and

• burn barrels and burn cages of any size or description.

This prohibition order does not ban campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide (or smaller) and does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.

The BC Wildfire Service says it’s important to check with local government authorities for restrictions before lighting any fire.

Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.

If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.