Effective at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 29, the current campfire ban in the Vernon and Penticton fire zones will be rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires. Campfires will now be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.
The public is reminded that campfires cannot be larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide. Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available nearby to fully extinguish it. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure the ashes are completely cold to the touch before leaving the area.
All other types of open burning remain prohibited within the Kamloops Fire Centre. This includes:
· The burning of any material 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 BC Parks, Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.
The open fire prohibition will remain in place until the public is notified that it has been rescinded.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://bcwildfire.ca
The Regional District Okanagan Similkameen has also issued a notice of change in the fire danger rating within the region.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is rescinding the temporary fire ban issued on August 17, 2012.
Effective noon on Wednesday, August 29, the temporary fire ban is rescinded for all areas of the RDOS.