On the heels of the driest spring in the Kamloops area in 120 years, the BC Wildfire Service says a ban on open fires and fireworks in the Kamloops Fire Centre will go into effect next week.
As of noon on Friday, June 11, all Category 2 and 3 open fires will be prohibited in the area which extends from Blue River in the north to the U.S. border in the south, and from Bridge River in the west to the Monashee Mountains in the east.
The government says the ban is being enacted to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.
It will apply to all public and private land within the Kamloops Fire Centre, and it will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 15, 2021, unless it is rescinded earlier.
“Before lighting any fire, people should check with local government authorities to see if any other burning restrictions are in effect,” the statement said.
The fire danger rating in the Kamloops Fire Centre has climbed to moderate or high across the southern Interior in recent days, with the risk “extreme” in some areas.
In addition to the Category 2 and 3 burns, the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, and burn barrels will also be prohibited as of next Friday.
Anyone found violating these restrictions may be issued a ticket for $1,150, while being required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000. If convicted in court, they could be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
People could also be responsible to pay all firefighting and other associated costs if their actions lead to a wildfire.
This ban does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes. Campfires up to half-metre high by a high-metre wide in size are still allowed, where permitted. City of Kamloops bylaws prohibit open fires within city limits including at Cooney Bay, and on public beaches at Riverside Park and Overlander Park.
To report a wildfire, an unattended campfire, or an open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For the latest on the current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures, or air quality advisories call 1-888-3-FOREST or go online here.
Effective at 12:00 pm on Friday June 11, 2021, Category 2 & Category 3 open fires as well as other equipment and activities will be prohibited throughout the #Kamloops Fire Centre. This prohibition is being enacted to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. pic.twitter.com/b2f7zQ5SVA
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 4, 2021