As of noon Monday, both the smoky skies advisory and the campfire ban have been lifted following the weekend’s deluge.
“While some wildfires remain active, the weather system that is moving through the region, accompanied by rain and high winds, has reduced the amount of smoke and improved air quality. These conditions are expected to continue over the next few days,” reads a release from the Ministry of Environment’s meteorologist Tarek Ayache.
The Southeast Fire Centre stipulated that campfires larger than half-metre wide by half-metre high are still prohibited, as are open fires with outdoor stoves.
“Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available to full extinguish it. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure that the ashes are completely cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time,” reads their release.
Backyard burning piles also remain prohibited.
“Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.
To report a wildfire, abandoned campfire or burning violation call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
For the latest information on burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories visit bcwildfire.ca.
A campfire prohibition map is available at bit.ly/1dMzbdA.