Photo by flickr.com

As the B.C. Day long weekend approaches, please stay informed, be prepared, and plan for your travel.

Once your long weekend plans are set, check https://www.drivebc.ca/ for current road conditions. Roads can be busier than normal around holidays, so be patient and allow extra time for your trip.

To ensure a safe trip, ensure all travellers wear seatbelts, check weather forecasts, obey speed limits and watch for motorbikes and cyclists.

People enjoying B.C.’s beautiful waters can stay safe by wearing life-jackets, avoiding boating or swimming while intoxicated, and carrying a first-aid kit.

During warmer months, some beaches may be subject to advisories for elevated bacteria levels or blue-green algae blooms, which can be harmful to people and pets. If you see an advisory, avoid swimming and keep pets out of the water.

If you’re going into the backcountry, plan carefully and pack the essentials. Follow the Three Ts: trip planning, training and taking the essentials. Find tools and checklists at https://www.adventuresmart.ca/.

Open burning, including Category 2 and Category 3 fires, is now prohibited or restricted in many areas. Campfires (Category 1) are banned in the Coastal Fire Centre, excluding Haida Gwaii. People should check local restrictions before burning and, in areas where campfires are permitted, follow safe practices.

Avoid having a campfire when it’s windy, choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris. Do not leave a campfire unattended for any time.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open-burning breach, call 1 800 663-5555 (toll-free) or dial *5555 on a cellphone. You can also use the B.C. Wildfire Service mobile app to submit photos and location details, and to check up-to-date wildfire maps, road alerts and weather forecasts.

Warming summer temperatures and ongoing drought mean much of British Columbia is at heightened risk of wildfire, even after recent cooler temperatures and rain.