As spring is among us and we’re enjoying the warmer weather NRFR wants to remind everyone to enjoy their campfires responsibly. Northern Rockies Fire Rescue (NRFR) has recently received several reports of unattended fires with the last one requiring 36 Firefighting hours to extinguish. Unattended campfires can burrow into the ground and into the duff and tree roots and spread over a large area. NRFR responded to its first backyard on fire in November of 2024 in town where the soil over the majority of the backyard was smouldering up to 1.5 feet underground. This could have been prevented if the campfire had a proper base and had been fully extinguished.
To keep our landscapes, wilderness areas, and community safe, especially during these dry conditions, we urge everyone to follow proper campfire safety guidelines:
Campfire Safety Tips:
- Keep campfires no larger than 1.5 feet across.
- Ensure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Stir ashes and embers with water until they’re cool to the touch.
- If water isn’t nearby, smother the fire with snow if available, dirt, or sand, stirring until cool.
For more information on open burning visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/open-burning#Cat1
How to Report:
- Call BC Wildfire Service
1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on cell
Use the BC Wildfire Service app (iOS/Android). - Call 911 if it's near homes or buildings
For any questions, contact NRFR at 250-774-3955.
Stay safe, enjoy the wilderness, and help us keep our community safe during these dry conditions!