Penticton campfire ban lifted in time for weekend

PENTICTON – Thanks to the unseasonably rainy and cool weather, Penticton has lifted the ban on campfires in the city.

Penticton Fire Chief Larry Watkinson says in a media release the ban will be lifted at noon today, Sept. 14, but a burning ban remains in place for open fires.

Earlier this week Watkinson said he would consider following the province's lead and lift the ban if the cool, wet weather continued.

Watkinson urges those tending campfires to continue to use caution and take proper measures to ensure the fire is completely out when no longer in use.

Stiff fines are possible for anyone in violation of the continuing open fire ban, the city says. Fires caused by arson or recklessness could result in fines up to $1 million and up to three years in prison. If convicted, the individual could be held accountable for firefighting costs.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen lifted their fire ban in conjunction with the province earlier this month.


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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