The forest fire hazard is climbing rapidly here in the northwest -- but it seems not all campers are getting the message!
   Fire wardens had to extinguish four abandoned campfires during routine patrols through the region.  
   The fire hazard is rated as "HIGH" for most of the Northwest Fire Region, and "MODERATE" for Haida Gwaii.
   Currently, small campfires are permitted through the region, as long as all flammable debris is kept at a safe distance and hand tools or water are available to properly extinguish the fire.   All other open fires are prohibited.  

===== OFFICIAL RELEASE =====

Northwest Fire Centre requests continued co-operation

SMITHERS - The Northwest Fire Centre is asking the public to be extra

cautious with campfires because of a forecast of continued warm and

dry weather.

Over the weekend, fire wardens extinguished four abandoned campfires

that were found during routine patrols. The Northwest Fire Centre finds

this concerning, given the current Fire Danger Rating and the potential

for these abandoned campfires to start wildfires.

The Northwest Fire Centre would also like to remind the public that all

open fires are prohibited, with the exception of campfires.

Although campfires are allowed, they must not be larger than 0.5

metres by 0.5 metres in size. People lighting a campfire must maintain a

fireguard by removing flammable debris from around the campfire area

and must have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available

nearby to properly extinguish the fire.

Campfires should not be lit or kept burning during windy conditions.

Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure that the fire is completely

extinguished and the embers are cold before leaving the area.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cell

phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.