Tinder dry forests and a prolonged dry spell has led to the prohibition of any open burning in the Coastal section of B.C. until further notice, said the Ministry of Forests and Range.

The ban officially takes place today at noon and includes campfires, fireworks, tiki torches and burning barrels.

However camp stoves, propane campfires and briquettes are allowed.

Weeks of warm temperatures and sunny skies have dried out many of B.C.'s parks and forests, which prompted the Coastal Fire Centre to issue the ban.

The fire rating in Abbotsford and most of the Fraser Valley is listed as 'High,' while some parts of the province have hit 'Extreme.'

"It's a little more toward moderate up the Fraser Valley, but that's just because you got a little bit of moisture come in [Tuesday] evening," said Donna MacPherson, fire information officer for the Coastal Fire Centre.

"But that's not going to take long to dry out."

That's because meteorologists are predicting the warm, dry weather will stick around for the next 10 days at least. A mid-summer shower was expected in Abbotsford last night, but Environment Canada is forecasting nothing but sun and temperatures in the upper 20s Celsius until Tuesday.

Despite the ban on open fires in the Coastal section of B.C., people still need to be careful when they are out, said MacPherson.

Cigarette butts thrown to the side of the road by motorists have caused a number of forest fires in B.C., but she also mentioned the use of ATV's and other outdoor vehicles as potential fire starters in the woods.

"We're asking everybody to be very careful in any forested land," said MacPherson.

"Cigarette butts . . . throwing them out the window rather than extinguish them in some kind of a container is irresponsible especially given how dry it is right now and how easily it would be for a fire to start."

But unlike last year, propane campfires will be allowed this year.

The Ministry of Forests and Range also plans to crack down on those caught violating the open fire ban.

Fines can be issued for as much as $345.

Should a wildfire start because of "recklessness," the individual can be fined up to $1 million and spend up to three years in prison.

- To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or on your cell *5555. For information, check out www.bcwildfire.ca.