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(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

The campfire ban is being lifted across the Thompson-Okanagan region today, meaning residents will once again be able to have small fires.

The ban will be lifted at 12 p.m. today, Sept. 10, across the Kamloops Fire Centre. The fire centre stretches from the Southern Okanagan to the Lytton and Lillooet area, and the Shuswap. A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide.

The City of Vernon said in a press release it will also be lifting its municipal fire ban today.

Central Okanagan cities remain under a campfire ban at this time, according to a Regional District of Central Okanagan media release. The regional district said until there is a "significant" reduction in the danger rating it is prudent to keep the campfire ban, which has been in place since June 30, in effect.

"Although fire danger ratings have declined in the region due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire use. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations," the B.C. Wildfire Service said. "Before lighting any fire, check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place."

While campfires will be allowed, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited, including fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages. These restrictions will remain in place until Oct. 15, or until the order is rescinded, according to the wildfire service.

For a map of Kamloops Fire Centre boundaries, go here.

— This story was updated at 11:31 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, to include new information from the Central Okanagan Regional District.

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