The Castlegar Fire Department spent a considerable amount of time over the weekend dealing with open burning complaints.
The fire department wants to remind everyone that even though "the warm weather makes it tempting to clean up the backyards, the City of Castlegar Open Burning Bylaw does not allow for the burning of yard waste, garbage, construction or demolition material.
Violators can be fined $100 or more.
Residents are asked to utilize the yard waste disposal facility at the Castlegar Community Complex. Another option is to take advantage of the city's biannual yard waste collections. Dates for this spring are April 25-26 and May 9-10.
Open air burning of yard and garden waste has been prohibited in Castlegar since 2013. Residential campfires are still permitted as long as they are in an acceptable fire pit or portable fireplace.