MCHAPPY DAY PAGE A3
Friday, May 16, 2014
RELAY IS COMING PAGE A12
VOL. 100 NO. 74
www.quesnelobserver.com
CROSSFIRE SEASON UNDERWAY PAGE A18
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CARIBOO FIRE CENTRE
Fire ban in place
AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
After 44 fires this season, most human caused, the Cariboo Fire Centre has prohibited Category 3 open fires effective noon Friday. The prohibition will be in place until Sept. 30. Specifically, this order prohibits fires that burn: • Material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; or • Material in one or more piles, each exceeding two metres in height or three metres in width; or • One or more windrows; or • Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares (more than 2,000 square metres). This prohibition does not apply to campfires, cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or open fires that are two metres by three metres or smaller. “People should ensure that such fires are not lit or kept burning during windy conditions and that adequate tools, water and people are on hand to contain the fire,” the release states. “They should also make sure that the fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the
area for any length of time.” This prohibition covers all BC Parks and crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments. Check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting a fire. So far this season, the Cariboo Fire Centre has responded to 44 fires, the vast majority of which were human-caused and therefore completely preventable. Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs. The Cariboo Fire Centre stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton north to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel, east to Wells Gray Provincial Park and west to Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
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CNC Trades programs With the predicted trades shortage already in evidence, its a great time to consider trades training at CNC for your future. For information and more photos see PAGE 16 – 17.
Annie Gallant photo
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