As temperatures began to rise, the BC Wildfire Service says all open fires larger than a campfire will be prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre as of noon Friday, July 15.

That is when a ban on category 2 open fires will be take effect, two weeks after a ban on Category 3 open fires came into effect on June 30.

The Wildfire Service says these bans – which are set to be in place until noon on Oct. 15 – are being enacted to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

A category 2 fire is one that does not exceed two metres in height and three metres in width. It can also include stubble or grass burning over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.

These bans mean all fires larger than a campfire will be banned in the area which runs from Blue River in the north to the U.S. border in the south, and from Bridge River in the west to the Monashee Mountains in the east.

The use of fireworks and sky lanterns are also banned as is the use of burn barrels or burn cages, except if it used for a campfire as defined by the Wildfire Regulation.

“These prohibitions apply to all public and private land within the Kamloops Fire Centre jurisdiction, unless specified otherwise in an enactment (e.g. in a local government bylaw),” the BCWS said, in a statement.

“Before lighting any fire, people should check with local government authorities to see if any other burning restrictions are in effect.”

Violators could be issued a ticket for $1,150, and be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000. If convicted in court, people could be also be fined up to $100,000, and/or spend up to one year in jail.

People who are found to be responsible for a fire may also be required to pay all firefighting and other related costs.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

For the latest on fire bans and restrictions, go here.