BC Wildfire Service
KAMLOOPS - As of noon on Oct. 1, Category 2 and Category 3 open burning was allowed throughout the northern portion of the Kamloops Fire Zone (the North Prohibition Area).
The Northern Prohibition Area is the same as the former Clearwater Fire Zone except for the area around Blue River, which is now part of the Prince George Fire Centre.
In addition, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are currently allowed in areas above 1,200 metres within the Vernon Fire Zone.
However, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited in the following areas:
* Kamloops Fire Zone, South Prohibition Area (all elevations)
* Vernon Fire Zone (below 1,200 metres)
* Merritt Fire Zone (all elevations)
* Lillooet Fire Zone (all elevations)
* Penticton Fire Zone (all elevations)
A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://ow.ly/gfR230fAB17
Anyone conducting a Category 3 open fire must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717.
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.