The province is imposing burning restrictions in the Northwest as the fire hazard rating rises.

Effective at noon on Friday, all open fires will be prohibited within the Northwest Fire Centre with the exception of the former North Coast Forest District.

The ban covers the burning of waste, slash and other materials, as well as stubble or grass.

It also prohibits the use of fireworks or burning barrels.

It does not include campfires -- as long as they are small -- or gas or propane cooking stoves, or briquettes.

The restrictions cover all B.C. Parks, Crown and private lands, while local governments set the rules within municipal boundaries.