The B.C. Wildfire Service is urging the public to be more careful with fire use in an effort to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
Over the weekend, fire wardens discovered and extinguished 21 abandoned campfires in the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the North Okanagan.
"Abandoned campfires may lead to wildfires and are completely preventable," said Melissa Klassen, fire information officer.
"Human-caused wildfires divert resources away from naturally-occurring incidents. Since Friday, the Kamloops Fire Centre has responded to 20 new fire starts, 14 of which were caused by lightning. It is paramount that the public be vigilant with fire use and other activities in the backcountry during this time of increased fire activity."
Anyone who leaves a campfire unattended for any length of time can be fined $1,150. If that fire turns into a wildfire, that person may be fined up to $1 million, face three years in prison and be required to pay for all related fire suppression costs.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellular phone or call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest wildfire news at twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo or facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo