The BC Wildfire Service will be implementing a campfire ban across the Kamloops Fire Centre at noon this Friday, July 12.

It says the ban – which is being brought in following the first heat wave of the year – is aimed at preventing human-caused wildfires.

“Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province,” the BC Wildfire Service said, in a statement. “The B.C. government recognizes that people also enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire ban very seriously.”

“Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused wildfires.”

The campfire ban adds to previously announced bans on larger Category 2 open fires (which came into effect on May 17), and Category 3 open fires (which came into effect on May 3).

The use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, air curtain burners, and burn barrels and burn cages are also off limits across the Kamloops Fire Centre. All of the bans are scheduled to be in place until noon on Oct. 11, the Friday going into the Thanksgiving long weekend.

“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 statement added. “Before lighting any fire, people should check with local government authorities to see if any other burning restrictions are in effect.”

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.