The B.C. Wildfire Service is expanding a fire ban across the entire Kamloops Fire Centre just ahead of the upcoming May Long weekend.
It says all Category 2 open fires, along with fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, air curtain burners, and burn barrels and burn cages will be off limits as of 12 noon this Friday, May 17.
The Wildfire Service says the ban – which expands on the previously established ban on Category 3 open fires – is being done “to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.”
A category 2 open fire is one that burns material in one pile not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width, burns material concurrently in two piles each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width, or burns stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.
The ban – which is due to be in place until Oct. 11 – does not apply to campfires nor does it apply to gas, propane or briquette cooking stoves.
“These prohibitions apply to all public and private land within the Kamloops Fire Centre jurisdiction, unless specified otherwise in an enactment (e.g. in a local government bylaw),” the BC Wildfire Service said.
“Before lighting any fire, people should check with local government authorities to see if any other burning restrictions are in effect.”
As it stands, there are bans on Category 2 and 3 fires across five fire centres – Cariboo, Coastal, Kamloops, Northwest, and Prince George. There are no restrictions of any kind across the South East Fire Centre, and no restrictions on campfires anywhere in British Columbia.
People found in violation of the bans could be issued a ticket for $1,150, and be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000. If convicted in court, people could be also be fined up to $100,000, and/or spend up to one year in jail.
People who are found to be responsible for a fire may also be required to pay all firefighting and other related costs.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For the latest on fire bans and restrictions, go here.
