Fire Ban Expanded

The province is expanding its open burning ban to the North Coast and Haida Gwaii, but small campfires will still be permitted in those areas.

An open burning ban, including a ban on campfires, fireworks and tiki torches, was announced earlier this week for the old Kalum forest district and Bulkley and Nadina fire zones. Those areas surround Terrace, Kitimat, Hazelton, Kispiox, Smithers, Houston and Burns Lake.

Now, the Forest Service will prohibit medium and large-sized open fires on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii, specifically waste and slash burning and burning barrels, as well as fireworks.

All the bans come into effect at noon on Thursday, just before the long weekend, as the dry weather continues to raise the fire hazard rating.