Open burning ban in Kamloops Fire Centre to start next week

Dry conditions have prompted the B.C. Wildfire Service to issue an open burning ban for the Kamloops Fire Centre that will take effect at the end of next week.

Category 2 and 3 open fires will be prohibited in the Kamloops Fire Centre as of noon Friday, June 11, according to a BC Wildfire Service media release. The fire danger rating in the region is mostly moderate, with areas of high and patches of extreme.

The restriction does not apply to campfires, which will still be allowed unless local jurisdictions prohibit them, the wildfire service said.

The wildfire service said prohibited activities will include:

• Category 2 open fires
• Category 3 open fires
• Fireworks
• Sky lanterns
• Burn barrels, burn cages of any size except when used as a campfire

The prohibition will remain in effect until Oct. 15 or until the order is rescinded.

Anyone in contravention of an open burning prohibition could face a fine of $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or if convicted in court fined up to $100,000 or sentenced to a one year in jail, the wildfire service said.

If the contravention causes of contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

For an explanation of Category 2 and 3 fires go here.

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