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High fire danger locally; report any smoke and fire
Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services is asking the public to use extreme caution in any forest activities in and around the city including things like backcountry recreation with motorcycles and ATVs, campfires, fireworks and even smoking. With these current conditions fires can start quickly and spread rapidly.
The current fire danger rating for Cranbrook and area is considered high, according to the most recent data from the Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) – Wildfire Management Branch. Forest fuels are very dry and the wildfire risk is serious. New fires may start easily and burn vigorously and challenge fire suppression efforts.
Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services ask that if you see smoke or fire, please do not assume others have reported it.
Currently, campfires are permitted in the region. However, on July 2, all open fire was banned throughout the entire Southeast Fire Centre (which covers the East Kootenay).
Prohibited activities include: the burning of any waste, slash or other materials – stubble or grass fires of any size over any area; the use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels of any size or description.
This prohibition does NOT ban campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide or smaller, and it does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes. However, make sure you have a five gallon pail of water and a shovel nearby if you have a campfire.
Call the Southeast Fire Centre toll free at 1-800-663-5555 or call *5555 on most cellular networks. For current fire danger ratings, maps and news on active fires in the Southeast Fire Centre please visit www.bcwildfire.ca.
Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services/RDEK