Southeast Fire Centre rescinds Category 2 open fire prohibition

The B.C. Wildfire Service has rescinded the Category 2 open fire prohibition throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, effective at 1 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday, September 11. This region includes the Rocky Mountain and Selkirk Natural Resource Districts, as well as all non-municipal land within the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

Category 2 fires, which include burning material in up to two piles (each not exceeding two metres high and three metres wide) or stubble/grass fires under 0.2 hectares, are now permitted. The decision follows recent precipitation, improved overnight recoveries, and updated weather forecasts.

Authorities remind the public that all Category 1 and Category 2 fires must be conducted responsibly under the Wildfire Regulation. Requirements include avoiding windy conditions, establishing fuel breaks, never leaving fires unattended, and ensuring fires are fully extinguished. Category 3 open fires remain prohibited in the Southeast Fire Centre.