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July 31, 2014 - 7:27 AM
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - If you’re planning to go camping this long weekend, B.C. Wildfire says your fun will have to be fire-free unless you have an approved fire-safe stove.
“All of the (Thompson-Okanagan) locations fall under the same campfire ban,” says Kelsey Winter, a fire information officer with the Kamloops Fire Centre.
The only location without a ban is in the Clearwater Zone.
The fire ban is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused fires across the Kamloops Fire Centre area including BC Parks, Crown and private lands.
While campfires and open burning is prohibited, Winter says those wanting a small fire can still use a ULC approved portable campfire.
“It can’t burn wood and it has to have an adjustable flame length that keeps it less than 15 centimetres,” Winter says adding most hardware stores sell them.
For those who disobey campfire restrictions, they may be charged with a fine and the cost of a firefighter response. To report anyone burning illegally, call the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.
In accordance with local bylaws, fireworks are prohibited. Use of fireworks will have to be approved in writing by the fire chief.
Smokers are advised to safely extinguish and dispose smoking materials.
To report a wildfire call 1-800-663-5555 or call *5555 on a cell phone.
To contact a reporter for this story, email gbrothen@infonews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014