The BC Wildfire Service is imploring the public to be vigilant with fire use, noting that fire wardens discovered and extinguished 32 abandoned campfires over the B.C. Day long weekend.

“These sorts of incidents are preventable,” said the BC Wildfire Service. “If the ashes from a campfire are not cold to the touch, the campfire has not been fully extinguished.”

Wanting the public to be extremely careful with fire, the BC Wildfire Service hopes that additional care and attention by the public can reduce the overall risk of human-caused wildfires and ensure that firefighting resources aren’t diverted away from their response to natural wildfires.

“Careless campfire use can have costly repercussions,” added the BC Wildfire Service. “Anyone who leaves a campfire unattended for any length of time may be issued a ticket for $1,150.”

As well, if someone causes or contributes to a wildfire, due to an abandoned campfire or any other illegal activity, they may be responsible for covering all firefighting costs, and the value of any resources damaged or destroyed by the wildfire.

A BC driver was issued a $575 fine for tossing a cigarette under the BC Wildfire Act. If the potential of sparking a wildfire isn’t enough to keep smokers from tossing cigarette butts out of the car window, a hefty fine might be.

Across the Southeast Fire Centre, the region is mostly under a “high” fire danger rating while other areas exhibit a “moderate” wildfire risk.

Be smart out there. Follow the fire and smoke activity here.