Campfires and category three open fires are once again allowed in all areas of the Northwest Fire Centre.
However, the category two open burning prohibition that’s currently in place in parts of the Northwest Fire Centre remains in effect. Houston, as well as Burns Lake and Granisle, are included in this prohibition.
In these areas, there is also a prohibition on the use of some fire-related equipment including fireworks (including firecrackers), burning barrels, sky lanterns, air curtain burners and exploding binary targets.
Although category three open fires are permitted, residents must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717.
Campfires and open burning - categories two and three - had been prohibited in some areas of the Northwest Fire Centre on Aug. 19. The bans on campfires and category three open burning were lifted on Aug. 22.
As of Friday, Aug. 26, the fire danger rating in Houston and Burns Lake remained “high,” meaning that new fires may start easily, burn vigorously and challenge fire suppression efforts.
There were no wildfires in the Houston and Burns Lake areas as of Friday, Aug. 26.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.