BC Wildfire service hasn’t banned campfires in the southern Interior but the City of Penticton is getting a leg up, banning both campfires and fireworks within city limits.

The city said in a media release issued today, May 7, that along with open burning it’s implementing the additional fire restrictions due to the dry conditions and wildfire risk. The ban will remain in effect until October.

Earlier this week, the wildfire service announced a ban on open burning for the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes Penticton. It took effect at noon.

Penticton’s campfire ban also took effect at noon. Residents and visitors to the city can’t have campfires, or used portable wood burning fireplaces. Beach fire pits have also been closed as of today.

The city’s ban allows for people to use gas cooking stoves or briquettes. A portable gas campfire with flame under 15 centimetres is also permitted.

Due to the drought in the Okanagan, most cities have activated water restrictions with Districts of Peachland and Summerland going to Stage 3 restrictions early due to the low snowpack and low water reservoir levels.

The south coast is the only other region in the province that is under a campfire ban. The wildfire service restrictions took effect at noon.

More information on campfire bans, and bans on Category 2 and 3 open burning, can be found here.