Current weather conditions make it safer for private
landowners, Wildfire Management Branch personnel and industry partners
to reduce wildfire risks by burning piles of wood debris.

Over 1,690 burn registration numbers have been issued in the Kamloops
Fire Centre in recent weeks. This means that these burning projects may
occur until open fire restrictions come into effect again next spring.

Although residents adjacent to burning operations may see and smell
smoke, burning is permitted only on days when the venting index
indicates there is good ventilation and the smoke will disperse
quickly.

Anyone conducting an open burn must comply with the Ministry of
Environment’s Waste Management Act and open burning smoke control
regulation and they must first check the venting index at:
www.bcairquality.ca

Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn
registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717.

Category 3  fires are:
* burn material piled more than two metres in height or three metres in
width; or
* burn stubble or grass over more than 0.2 hectares; or
* burn more than two piles of any size; or
* burn one or more windrows.

When a member of the public reports seeing smoke, burn registration
numbers are used to identify active and compliant burn operations so
Wildfire Management Branch officials do not unnecessarily investigate
the smoke report as a possible wildfire.

These burning regulations apply to all BC Parks, Crown lands and
private lands, but do not apply within the boundaries of local
governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by
fire departments.