The City of Vernon has not lifted an open air burning ban.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services released a one-line statement Friday night: “Please note that although the fire ban has been lifted within the Kamloops Fire District it has NOT been lifted within the City of Vernon and still remains in effect.”
The City of Armstrong and Township of Spallumcheen have also banned open air fire burning due to high-to-dry extreme conditions that still exist and the fact that very little precipitation is forecast for the next two weeks.
As of noon Friday, the B.C. Wildfire Service rescinded the campfire prohibition that was in effect in the Kamloops, Okanagan, Kootenay and Cariboo regions.
Recent wet weather – following an unseasonably dry summer – has reduced the wildfire risk in these areas, the province said in a statement.
The use of sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, air curtain burners, fireworks (including firecrackers) and burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, but will be allowed in the Kamloops Fire Centre and Cariboo Fire Centre.
B.C. Wildfire Service is urging campers to remain vigilant, and have ready access to eight litres of water or a shovel during the entire time the campfire is lit, as well as ensuring the campfire is completely extinguished before leaving the site.