Kamloops Fire Centre to extend open burning prohibition



KAMLOOPS – The BC Wildfire Service will be extending the Category 2 and 3 open fire prohibition throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre’s jurisdiction that was set to expire on Oct. 15, 2022. This prohibition is being extended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety due to continued unseasonably warm and dry conditions.

This prohibition will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, or until rescinded. The need for open burning prohibitions is continually assessed based on current and forecasted conditions and resource availability.

The following equipment and activities remain prohibited throughout Kamloops Fire Centre:

  • Category 2 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation;
  • Category 3 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation;
  • Fireworks;
  • Sky Lanterns;
  • Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description, except when used for a campfire as defined by the Wildfire Regulation; and,
  • Binary Exploding Targets.

A map of the affected area is available online at: http://ow.ly/niza50L8CGb

These prohibitions apply to all public and private land within the Kamloops Fire Centre jurisdiction, unless specified otherwise in an enactment (e.g. in a local government bylaw).

This prohibition does not ban campfires that are a half-metre high by a high-metre wide or smaller and does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes. While the Kamloops Fire Centre is seeing shorter days and increased overnight recoveries and relative humidity, the public is encouraged to exercise caution with any campfire use or activity that could potentially spark a wildfire. It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner.

Before lighting a campfire, the public is encouraged to check with local government authorities to ensure there are no restrictions in place. Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused wildfires.

To learn more about the different categories of open burning, visit the Open Burning webpage.

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning 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 responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The Kamloops Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its continuing help in preventing wildfires. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone. For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

People can follow the latest wildfire news:

  • on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices

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.