Open-fire ban extended through Halloween
The summer-like September has resulted in the open-fire ban in Kamloops to be extended through Halloween.
Kamloops Fire Centre officials say open-fire prohibitions in the Kamloops Fire Centre will be extended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public.
Due to recent warm and dry weather, 70 per cent of the region remains at a “high” or “extreme” fire-danger rating.
Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton, Merritt and Lillooet fire zones: Category 2 and category 3 open fires are prohibited at all elevations until Oct. 31 or until the public is informed otherwise.
Clearwater and Salmon Arm fire zones: Category 2 and category 3 open fires are prohibited at elevations below 1,200 metres until Oct. 15 or until the public is informed otherwise.
A map of the affected areas is available online here.
Specifically, these open fire prohibitions apply to the burning of any material piled larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide, the burning of stubble or grass, using fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description.
Anyone found in violation of an open-fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for up to $345. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness may be fined up to $1 million, spend up to three years in prison and be held accountable for associated firefighting costs.
The open-fire prohibition covers all B.C. parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest-fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments.
Check with city hall for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go online here.
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