KAMLOOPS – The Kamloops Fire Centre is urging members of the public to be cautious with open fire use this spring to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Valley bottom areas continue to be very dry as a result of elevated drought conditions from the fall and receiving little to no precipitation so far this spring making forest fuels easily susceptible to ignition.
Currently, there are no open fire prohibitions in effect in the Kamloops Fire Centre. Those conducting any open fire should use caution and be aware of local conditions that might
impact their ability to burn safely and control their open fires. Before lighting a fire, please check with your local authority, ensure you are properly prepared, aware of the conditions and follow open burning regulations:
- Establish a fuel break around your Category 2 or Category 3 burn and ensure the fire site is away from buildings, trees, and other combustible materials.
- Ensure someone is always monitoring the fire so it doesn’t spread beyond its intended size.
- Ensure that sufficient tools and water on site to control the fire.
- Anyone who lights an open fire must also comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation and follow the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations . Check the local venting index by calling 1 888 281-2992 or visiting: Venting | Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
- Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
- Anyone lighting a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717.
Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from naturally caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible open fire use.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For further fire prevention information and resources, visit: Wildfire Prevention | Government of BC
Learn More:
People can follow the latest wildfire news:
- on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5965
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.