People are urged to continue to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this Labour Day long weekend.

Although some areas have benefited from recent rain, much of the province is experiencing above-normal drought conditions. Residents and travellers should continue to use caution and take steps to reduce the risk of wildfire by staying up to date on current conditions, following fire bans and restrictions, and having an emergency plan that is shared with friends and family.

The most up-to-date information on wildfire activity in B.C. can be found here.

While the BC Wildfire Service has lifted its campfire bans, people should check with local governments, First Nations and other authorities, such as BC Parks, to see if any burning restrictions or bylaws are in effect.

People planning to have campfires should do so safely. Avoid having a campfire when it’s windy, choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris, and do not leave a campfire unattended for any amount of time.

People are encouraged to safely explore British Columbia. As conditions can change quickly, people who are travelling should check ahead for road closures, evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and other prohibitions such as BC Parks closures. Please follow all instructions from local governments or First Nations. Please check EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC before you travel.

The BC Wildfire Service relies on members of the public to report wildfires and thanks the public for its ongoing help in reporting wildfires quickly. Approximately 40% of new fires are first reported by the public. Reporting wildfires or dangerous activities that might cause wildfires is a way people can help keep everyone safe. The sooner a wildfire is reported, the sooner a response can begin.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or an open-burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone or download the BC Wildfire Service app. The newly improved BC Wildfire Service mobile app allows people to check the current wildfire situation, road conditions, and weather forecasts. Users can also report new wildfires and submit photos, which helps inform BC Wildfire Service operational decision-making.

Additional precautions:

* Anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle on or within 300 metres of forested land or rangeland must have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle.

* To help reduce wildfire risks, check the condition of the muffler, regularly clear buildups of grass or other vegetation from hot spots, stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grass and weeds.

* Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, ensuring they are completely extinguished.

FireSmart tips for homes and properties:

* Remove branches, leaves, pine needles and other flammable material around your property, including from roofs, gutters, balconies, doorways and windowsills. Pay particular attention to corners or other tight spots where debris tends to gather.

* Mow any grass within 10 metres of your home regularly, preferably to a height of 10 centimetres or less.

* If you have a deck with a crawlspace beneath it, clear flammable material from there as well.

* Create a 1.5-metre non-combustible zone around buildings by raking or sweeping down to mineral soil, rock or concrete.

* Any movable propane tank or wood pile should be kept at least 10 metres away from your home.

* Check all exterior vents to make sure they are properly screened and in good condition.

* Learn more about FireSmart here: https://firesmartbc.ca

Travelling: Know before you go:

* Destination BC’s Know Before You Go web page is regularly updated and serves as a one-stop shop for visitors looking to access key information resources, such as information from DriveBC, the BC Wildfire Service and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

* If the area you were planning to travel to is impacted by wildfires or under an evacuation alert or order, connect with a local visitor centre to rebook your trip to another area of the province.

* The River Forecast Centre also asks that anyone planning activities on rivers or waterways check any advisories for high streamflow or other such concerns.

Be ready to evacuate:

* If you are under an evacuation alert, be prepared to leave on short notice. People can prepare for emergencies by creating an evacuation plan using the Emergency Ready Planner, which is a new, online interactive tool to help people create a personalized emergency and evacuation plan. The Emergency Ready Planner is available here: https://Preparedbc.ca/EmergencyReady

* If you are under an evacuation order, you must leave the area immediately. Follow the instructions of your local government or First Nation.

* By not leaving, you risk the health and safety of you and your family, and that of first responders who may need to come back to help you.

* During emergencies, the Province may issue BC Emergency alerts, which are broadcast on TV, radio and/or cellphones to provide urgent public safety information. Local governments and First Nations may also use mobile alerting applications, such as Alertable or Voyent Alert!

* Understand how your local government or First Nation will share directions and information once an evacuation alert or evacuation order is issued. Most will share information on their website or social media pages. Information will also be amplified here: https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca

* Emergency support services (ESS) are available to people who are evacuated and need help covering the cost of basic needs, such as the costs associated with accommodation, food and incidentals.

* Follow directions provided by your local government or First Nation about how and where to receive emergency support services if you need them. They will provide instructions about whether you can register online, or in person at a designated evacuee reception centre.

* During large-scale evacuations, people may have the option to receive support via Interac e-transfer by creating an ESS profile here: https://ESS.gov.bc.ca

* People are encouraged to create an ESS profile before an emergency as part of their preparedness. This may save time during an emergency and help support the smooth delivery of supports. Those who have created an ESS profile can log into the online self-service registration tool to receive instructions about the types of supports available to them, and how they can be accessed during an emergency.

* The online self-service registration tool may only be available during large-scale evacuations.

* Connect with friends and family who may be able to provide shelter and support if an evacuation order is issued. This will help ensure local accommodation is available for those who have no other option.

e-KNOW file photos

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