Map outlining the Kamloops Fire Center/via BC Wildfire Service
The warmer-than-usual start to fall has prompted the BC Wildfire Service to extend an existing burning ban throughout the Kamloops Fire Center.
Larger-scale burns, such as stubble fires or the burning of wood piles, is going to continue to be prohibited until noon on Friday, October 28th.
Melanie Bibeau with the Wildfire Service says this is because of the unusually dry conditions over much of BC at the moment.
“Our fire danger rating is remaining to be moderate throughout most of the center, with pockets of high as well,” said Bibeau. “That being said, we are experiencing across the province above-normal drought conditions.”
Fire Danger rating in British Columbia as of October 12, 2022/via BC Wildfire Service
Bibeau does note the extension of the ban does not include outdoor barbeques or campfires.
“A campfire is categorized a fire that is within that half-meter by a half-meter range,” she noted. “We are encouraging people when they are having a campfire to check with their local government authorities and ensure that there are no restrictions in place.”
The BC Wildfire Service also warns of potentially stiff penalties if caught breaking the extended ban.
“Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000,” notes the Wildfire Service. “If convicted in court, [those found guilty could be] fined up to $100,000 and/or be sentenced to one year in jail.”
If it leads to a wildfire that has to be tackled by the Wildfire Service, that person may also be hit with the costs of fighting it.
