All fire bans lifted in B.C.'s coastal, northwest regions

All fire bans in the Coastal Fire Centre andNorthwest Fire Centre have been lifted, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).

The service says that the coastal region now allows Category 2 and 3 open fires, though the latter category requiresa burn registration number.It also permitsactivities such as the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, tiki torches and burn barrels of any size or description.

The changes came into effect Wednesday at 12 p.m. PT amid cooler temperatures and recent rainfall.

The northwest regionalso rescinded the last of its fire prohibitions Wednesdayafter lifting most of them last month.

In addition, Category 2 fires are now permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre while Category 3 fires remain prohibited.

The majority of wildfires in B.C. are under control or being held, according to the BCWS. There are also no wildfires of note, a designation that indicates a fire is highly visible or poses a threat to people or public safety.

But the service also urges residents to stay cautiousas there are still around 195 active wildfires in the province as of Wednesday afternoon. Most of the out-of-control blazesare burning in the Prince George Fire Centre in northeastern B.C.

"We encourage everyone to stay vigilant and alert to help avoid human-caused wildfires," the BCWS said in its provincial situation report Wednesday.