Campfire prohibitions will be lifted beginning at noon on Thursday.

The BC Wildfire Service says Category 1 open-fire prohibitions will be rescinded throughout the Coastal Fire Centre.

Category 2 and Category 3 open-fire prohibitions, which include backyard and industrial burning, will remain prohibited, except in the Haida Gwaii Forest District.

Several other activities and types of equipment also remain prohibited, including binary exploding targets, fireworks, burn barrels or burn cages, controlled air incinerators, air curtain burners, and carbonizers.

The Wildfire Service says recent rainfall, along with shorter days, longer nights, and cooler temperatures, has brought down fire danger ratings across much of the Coastal Fire Centre.

Even with the changes, the public is reminded to continue exercising caution when using an open fire.

There are significant penalties for violating an open-burning prohibition. A person found breaking the rules can receive a $1,150 violation ticket.

They could also face an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, a fine of up to $100,000 and potentially one year in jail. If the violation causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible could be ordered to pay the costs associated with fighting the fire.

Anyone who spots a wildfire, an unattended campfire, or an open-burning violation can report it by calling 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 from a cellphone.

Reports can also be made through the BC Wildfire public mobile app.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.