Submitted
The District of Clearwater (DOC) has issued open burning restrictions to lessen the chance of human-caused wildfires.
As of noon April 16, most open burning activities will be prohibited throughout the DOC, but campfires will still be allowed.
A campfire is defined as a fire 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres in diameter or smaller and fires bigger than that are considered Category 2 open fires, which are illegal if Category 2 open burning prohibitions are in effect.
You have to keep at least eight litres of water or a hand tool on hand at all times while your campfire is lit and before you leave the area for any amount of time, your campfire has to be fully extinguished. The ashes of your fire must also be cool to the touch.
A fuel break has to be set up around your campfire as well and it must be cleared of debris and anything combustible. It also needs to be wide enough to stop the spread of the fire. A rock ring around the fire can also help prevent it from spreading.
Violating these restrictions could come with a $1,150 fine. If a violation causes a wildfire, the person responsible may also be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
As for the prohibited open burning activities in the DOC, read the list below.
* Residential open fires (1.5m x 1.5m);
* Commercial Lot Clearing open fires (up to 5m x 5m);
* 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 the District of Clearwater and will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified.