The entire Kamloops Fire Centre is now under a campfire ban.
The prohibition came into effect at 12 p.m. today, Thursday, June 8. Cagetory 1 campfires are now prohibited to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The campfire prohibition will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 13, or until the orders are rescinded.
Category 1 campfires are those that are smaller than half a metre high and wide. Category 2 and 3 open fires are also prohibited as of noon Thursday.
The Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department and Regional District of North Okanagan electoral areas B and C were the latest to implement the fire ban in accordance with the BC Wildfire prohibition.
“Due to the prolonged hot and dry conditions and high temperatures, we have taken a proactive approach to protect everyone’s safety. Preventing human caused fires is our shared responsibility,” said Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Chief Ian Cummings.
The ban extends to the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels or cages, binary exploding targets, tiki torches, chimineas and outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatuses that are not CSA or ULV approved.
Anyone found to have contravened the prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
CITY OF VERNON ASKS RESIDENTS TO PREPARE
In the City of Vernon, the fire danger rating is currently listed as extreme and, like everywhere else in the Kamloops Fire Cent, the city enacted an all-fires prohibition at 12 p.m. Thursday.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) and the City of Vernon would like to remind residents that now is the time to be prepared for wildfire possibilities; and being prepared begins with being FireSmart.
“Now is a good time to take a close look at your property and consider what can be done to protect your home, your neighbourhood, and your community from wildfire,” said Wes Brassard, FireSmart coordinator. “Having a free FireSmart home assessment is a great way to help prepare your home and property.”
Residents are encouraged to sign up to help prepare their home and property.
The free FireSmart home assessment can be requested through the City of Vernon’s website FireSmart Coordinator | City of Vernon or by emailing: firesmartcoordinator@vernon.ca
This story was updated at 12:48 p.m. Thursday, Jne 8, with info from the City of Vernon
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