Category 3 open fires will be banned throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre starting April 15.

It’s to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Violators could be issued a ticket for $1,150, and be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $100,000.

If convicted in court, people could be also be fined up to $100,000, and/or spend up to one year in jail.

Fire Information Officer Erin Bull says it’s not unusual to see a ban this time of year.

“That bans any fires larger than two meters high by three metres wide, three or concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide,” she said.

“It also bans burning of one or more windrows and burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.”

Bull says there’s is a bit of snow in the Williams Lake area right now, but it’s unlikely to affect this ban moving forward.

“I think it’s still kind of our best decision here to put it in place,” she noted. “These bans are only effective in kind of wildfire anything.”

“So if you’re in the city limits, that’s nothing to do with us. You would have to check with your city.”

The ban will be in place until September 27, unless announced otherwise.