Curling banks of smoke are once again rising into the skies over the East Kootenay as slash piles and other outdoor debris is put to flame – an almost timeless tradition in these parts.

However, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Southeast Fire Centre is urging the public to be careful when performing outdoor burns as spring warms and spans toward summer.

Escaped grass fires are the most common form of human-caused wildfires at this time of year, the ministry states in a media release today (April 4).

The ministry urges people to “always take the following precautions”:

* Check with local governments or civil authorities about any current burning bylaws or fire restrictions.

* Create a fireguard at least one metre around the fire by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.

* Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly and carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.

* Never leave a fire unattended.

* Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.

* A fire should not be lit near buildings, trees or other combustible materials.

* Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the embers are cold before you leave the area.

More information is available at:

For tips on safe burning, residents are encouraged to consult: www.bcwildfire.ca.

Anyone planning large-scale industrial burning (Category 3) must call 1-888-797-1717 and obtain a burn registration number ahead of time.

http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Burning should not be done if local air flow will cause the smoke to negatively affect nearby communities or residences. For more information on the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation, visit:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/reports/agttobsc.html

In British Columbia, the Wildfire Act specifies a person’s legal obligations when using fire on or within one kilometre of forest land or grassland. If an outdoor burn escapes and causes a wildfire, the person responsible may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs.

To report an unattended fire or wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or dial *5555 on a cellphone.

Follow the latest wildfire news –

* On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

* On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

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