Campfire ban coming to Kamloops Fire Centre this week

The BC Wildfire Service is banning campfires throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre as of this Thursday.

The wildfire service is restricting all open fires, including campfires, as of 12 p.m. Thursday, June 8, for the region that covers the Thompson-Okanagan and other surrounding areas.

The prohibition is an effort to curb human-caused wildfires and protect the public, and it's planned to continue to Oct. 13, according to a news release.

The ban includes fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and tiki torches.Outdoor stoves for cooking or heating are still allowed.

"Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province. The BC government recognizes that people also enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire ban very seriously," the release reads.

Anyone found to be breaking the campfire ban risks a $1,150 ticket, a penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 with up to one year in jail.

In addition to the fines, a person who causes a wildfire can be ordered to pay for firefighting costs.

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