Warning issued as high winds forecast for Kamloops Fire Centre

The B.C. Wildfire Service is cautioning members of the public in the Kamloops Fire Centre not to conduct any open burning until forecast high winds abate.

The wildfire service says strong winds are forecast to sweep across the Kamloops Fire Centre today, April 22, and tomorrow with expected winds of 20 to 30 km/h and gusts of 50 to 60 km/h.

Moderate to strong winds are expected to continue through tonight before becoming light to moderate tomorrow.

The wildfire service says anyone conducting an open burn must:

• ensure adequate resources are on hand to control the fire
• never burn in windy conditions
• create an appropriately sized fireguard around the planned fire site
• never leave a fire unattended
• make sure the fire is completely extinguished.

Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1-888-797-1717. A burn registration number is not required to light a Category 2 open fire.

Open burning categories are explained at this website.

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