Effective at noon on Friday, July 3, 2015, all open fires—including campfires—will be prohibited throughout the entire Kamloops Fire Centre. The prohibition will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified. 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 some areas rated “extreme”. With the current trend of warm and dry weather, wildfires in the region have displayed aggressive behaviour and have required additional firefighting resources. Also, with the recent lightning in the area, it is important to take all measures to prevent human-caused fires. Human-caused wildfires can divert critical resources and crews from responding to naturally occurring wildfires.
In addition to campfires, this prohibition applies to open fires of any size, industrial burning, fireworks, tiki torches, sky lanterns and burning barrels. This prohibition does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire appar. It covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws.
Barbara Roden