CERS – Summer Newsletter
The Spring/Summer CERS newsletter is now available:
Look for a paper copy in your mailbox.
If you would like to be added to our email list let us know: cers.information @gmail.com
NWFC Wildfire News – Issue 5
Provincial Campfire Ban
Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia.
This prohibition will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 15, 2021, or until the order is rescinded.
The provincial weather forecast calls for record-breaking high temperatures throughout B.C. this week and follows a spring of lower-than-average precipitation in the southern half of the province. These conditions are expected to persist in the coming weeks.
Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province. The B.C. government recognizes that people also enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire ban very seriously.
The BC Wildfire Service takes these extreme heat conditions seriously. Additional precautions are being undertaken throughout the province, including fire warden patrols, fixed-wing aircraft patrols and an active enforcement presence. Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires.
The BC Wildfire Service is constantly monitoring current and forecast conditions and maintaining preparedness.
A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
In addition to campfires, Category 2, and Category 3 open fires, the following activities are also prohibited:
- The use of fireworks
- The use of sky lanterns
- The use of burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
- The use of binary exploding targets
- The use of tiki and similar kinds of torches
- The use of chimineas
- The use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating
- The use of air curtain burners in Cariboo, Coastal, Northwest, Prince George and Southeast fire centres
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
NWFC Wildfire News – Issue 4
Of the 14 fires started in the Northwest Fire Centre in 2021, 11 were human caused. “This past weekend saw a transition to warmer and drier weather, which is forecast to last through this week and into next week. As a result, forest fuels will continue to dry as we move towards summer conditions.”
For the week of June 21, 2021, The fire danger rating is at HIGH for the Southside – please be careful this weekend.
Cellular Service Sign Project
Cellular service on the north and south side of Francois Lake is limited. In the spring of 2020 CERS surveyed the area and created a map documenting where there are cellular service areas in the region. Road signs have also been installed to help spread this important emergency preparedness information.