Good afternoon,
Please find attached the Northwest Fire Centre Status Report for April 23, 2020.
For further information please email BCWS.NWFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca or call 250-847-6639.
April 7, 2020
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development BC Wildfire Service
KAMLOOPS – Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Thursday, April 16, 2020, most open burning activities will be prohibited throughout British Columbia to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires, although campfires will still be allowed.
The following activities will be prohibited, and these restrictions will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified:
* Category 2 open fires;
* Category 3 open fires;
* Resource Management open fires;
* the use of fireworks;
* the use of sky lanterns; and
* the use of burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description (except when used for a campfire).
These prohibitions apply to all public and private land within British Columbia, unless specified otherwise (e.g., in a local government bylaw). Check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire. A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online: www.gov.bc.ca/openfireregs
A map of the affected areas is available online: http://ow.ly/8uct30qvSv2
COVID-19 and wildfire response
These open burning prohibitions will reduce demands on firefighting resources and help protect the health and safety of the public, as well as BC Wildfire Service staff. They will also help reduce the impact of wildfire smoke on air quality and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A strategic deployment of wildfire management resources is critical this fire season, so it is especially important to reduce the number of unnecessary, human-caused wildfires. It is vital BC Wildfire Service staff remain healthy to respond to wildfires throughout the 2020 season and ensure the BC Wildfire Service’s response capability is not affected.
During the current pandemic, larger open burns pose an unnecessary risk and could detract from wildfire detection and response capabilities. The open burning prohibitions coming into effect on April 16 should decrease the number of false alarms (where firefighters respond to a report of smoke, only to find the smoke is coming from a controlled burn and not from a wildfire).
These open burning prohibitions also support the BC Centre for Disease Control’s recommendation to help reduce excess air pollution in airsheds throughout the province.
Enforcement
Enforcement of fire prohibitions is undertaken by:
* the Compliance and Enforcement Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development;
* the Conservation Officer Service; and
* the RCMP.
All illegal fires will be investigated, and charges may be laid under the Wildfire Act or Wildfire Regulation, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
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 $10,000 or, if convicted in court, 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.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
Follow the latest wildfire news:
* on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
* on Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Learn More:
For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/ Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.
For provincial health officer orders, notices and guidance, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/phoguidance
For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/Covid-19 or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Contact:
Fire Information Officer
Provincial Wildfire Coordination Centre
BC Wildfire Service
250 312-3051
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: http://news.gov.bc.ca/connect
We hope that all are healthy and practicing best policies during this time. We are in one of the best places on the planet in the best of times, and now, in the worst of times, we are still in the best place to be. Rural communities, great fresh air, and great neighbors, families and friends to help out in times of need.
And that is what we want you to consider today. Think of the folks that live nearby or within your own smaller community, give them a call and see if they are need. This is a time when we can all help ensure that no one is without the assistance that they might need.
If they are in need, and you can safely help them that is wonderful. If further assistance is required or you are unsure how to help, please message the Chinook Society or you can email LDLINK4HELP@gmail.com or call 250-251-1466 with the information.
Thanks to all of you for being great neighbors and awesome community members! Stay Safe and Healthy!
CERS Board
Many conversations are going on surrounding our current global situation. Everyone has questions, concerns, ideas and opinions. For factual information, please visit one of the following links:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
Under these extraordinary circumstances it is important to have supports available for these community members. Most community members will have family and friends that can help them at this time, but there may be other people who need additional support.
What can I do if I, or someone I know, needs help because they are in self isolation?
NOTE: This is not an information line. For current information on the COVID-19 situation, please visit:
What will the committee be doing with this information?
The communities of the Lakes District are experienced and well situated to tackle this Health Crisis, but it will take a community response. It is important that all stakeholders and partners work together to maximize resources and prevent duplication of services.
For more information on this committee, or to volunteer your assistance, please email us with your contact information LDLINK4HELP@gmail.com