Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
July 07, 2017 - 1:35 PM
Anyone planning to camp in in the Southern Interior this weekend will not be allowed to have a campfire.
The Kamloops Fire Centre is the latest region to implement a campfire ban, joining the Coastal, Southeast and Cariboo fire centres.
The Kamloops Fire Centre includes Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Merritt, Clearwater, Salmon Arm and Lilooet.
Municipalities in the Central Okanagan and South Okanagan have also banned campfires, and all open burning, in regional parks and other areas like beaches. It's probably a good idea to check with your local government before lighting a campfire or doing any other open burning.
As of today, July 7, at 12 p.m., the campfire ban is in effect "to help prevent human-caused wildfires," according to the B.C. Wildfire Service website.
The fire danger ratings are high or extreme throughout the region.
Along with campfires, category two and three open fires, burning of waste or other materials, stubble or grass fires, fireworks, sky lanterns, and exploding targets are all forbidden.
You can still use gas, propane or briquette cooking stoves, or a portable campfire device that uses briquettes, or liquid or gas fuel.
Failing to obey these rules could result in a $1,150 fine and other steep penalties.
There are currently wildfires burning in Ashcroft, and 100 Mile House.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 on a cellphone.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Kim Anderson or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2017