TERRACE, B.C. – As of 12:00 PM noon today, a sweeping prohibition on all Category 3 open fires is now officially in effect for the Terrace region and surrounding areas, including the entire Old Kalum portion of the Coast Mountain Forest District.
The ban, implemented by the BC Wildfire Service just minutes ago, is a preventative measure against human-caused wildfires as conditions across the Northwest remain dry. The prohibition will remain in place until at least September 29, 2025.
For anyone with a Category 3 fire that was burning this morning, the deadline to have it fully extinguished has now passed.
What This Ban Means For You
This prohibition specifically targets large-scale burning. Category 3 open fires include:
- Burning three or more piles at once.
- Burning any single pile larger than 2 metres high by 3 metres wide.
- Burning one or more windrows.
- Burning grass or stubble over an area larger than 0.2 hectares.
- The use of air curtain burners or carbonizers is also banned.
What is Still Allowed?
It is critical to note that this prohibition does not impact smaller fires. The following activities are still permitted, provided they are done safely and in accordance with any local municipal bylaws:
- Category 1 campfires used for recreation, cooking, or warmth.
- Category 2 open burns, which involve one or two smaller piles.
Check Your Old Piles
The Northwest Fire Centre is also making a critical request to the public: anyone who conducted large pile burns over the past fall or winter must check their sites to ensure the fires are completely out. Smoldering “holdover” fires can re-emerge deep within piles during dry, warm weather and spark new wildfires.
Heavy Penalties in Effect
The consequences for violating the ban are severe. Anyone found in contravention could be issued a ticket for $1,150, face an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to a year in jail. If a contravention causes a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
