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Campfires banned within the Kamloops Fire Centre

As of noon on Thursday, Aug. 1, there will be no campfires allowed in the Clearwater Fire Zone, and the rest of the Kamloops Fire Centre
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Map shows extent of territory covered by campfire ban that begins at noon on Thursday

KAMLOOPS – Effective at noon on Thursday, Aug. 1, all campfires will be prohibited across the Kamloops Fire Centre, including the Clearwater Fire Zone.

A map of the area covered by the campfire ban is available online at: http://bit.ly/12Rkuu6

This step is being taken to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The fire danger rating is currently “high” throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre, with scattered pockets of “extreme”.

With the current trend of warm and dry weather, wildfires in the region have displayed very aggressive behaviour and required additional fire suppression resources. Human-caused wildfires can divert critical resources and crews from responding to naturally occurring wildfires.

Open burning is prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. This prohibition applies to open fires of any size, fires with a burn registration number, industrial burning, fireworks, tiki torches, sky lanterns and burning barrels. The prohibition does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, as long as the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres.

The open burning prohibition covers all BC Parks (including Wells Gray Park), Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department (however, District of Clearwater always follows the Ministry's lead on fire bans).

Anyone found in violation of an open fire ban, including campfires, may be issued a ticket for up to $345. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness may be fined up to $1 million, spend up to three years in prison and be held accountable for associated firefighting costs.

This prohibition will remain in place until the public is notified that it has been rescinded.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: www.bcwildfire.ca