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July 10, 2018 - 3:30 PM
What a difference a year makes, at least as far as camping goes and the much-loved campfire.
A year ago, the province was under a provincial wildfire emergency, with half the province seemingly under smoky skies and open fire bans everywhere.
Now happy campers are looking at the middle of July and campfires are still allowed within the Kamloops Fire Centre, an increasing rarity these last few years. The ban began July 7 last year.
“Different fire centres put them in at different times but yes, there is no ban yet. We usually like to hold off if we haven’t had the conditions,” B.C. Wildfire fire information officer Nicole Bonnett said. “They are usually put in based on environmental factors and we haven't quite reached the point where we need to implement.”
Legal limits and common sense still apply, Bonnett said, and open fires can’t be more than half a metre across. Tiki torches are also banned.
Environment Canada is predicting return this week to warmer, drier conditions which Bonnett said could change the fire situation quickly.
“It’s best to remind people that with surface fuels, just because it has rained, doesn’t mean they can stop being mindful of risky activity,” she added. “It’s been cooler but if things warm up quite a bit, there could be a reason to put a ban on.”
Before that happens, Bonnett said B.C. Wildfire will likely issue an information bulletin.
“We like to give a heads up as best we can for people,” she said.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2018