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A ban on category 2 open fires across the Kamloops Fire Centre will be lifted at noon today, Sept. 18, as the summer wildfire season continues to taper off.
The BC Wildfire Service is also easing restrictions on the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, air curtain burners, and burn barrels and burn cages, ending a four-month long ban which began ahead of the May long weekend.
It comes as the fire danger rating for much of the Kamloops Fire Centre is classified as low, though areas around Kamloops, Merritt, Lytton, and Kelowna are still listed as moderate.
“The seasonal fall temperatures and significant precipitation over the last few weeks had a positive impact on the Kamloops Fire Centre’s fire danger rating,” a statement from the BC Wildfire Service said. “The widespread cooling temperatures and good overnight relative humidity recoveries, as well as the forecasted weather patterns, have made it so there are favourable conditions to rescind the category 2 open fires prohibition.”
A category 2 open fire is described as one that burns material in one pile not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width, burns material concurrently in two piles each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width, or burns stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.
A ban on larger category 3 open fires will stay in effect for now, with those restrictions scheduled to be in place until Oct. 11, the Friday going into the Thanksgiving long weekend.
Category 3 fires include all fires larger than two metres high by three metres wide. It also includes three or more concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide, any windrows and stubble or grass burning over an area greater than 0.2 hectares in size.
A ban on campfires – which took effect on July 12 – was also lifted on Aug. 28.
“Local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place,” the statement added. “Always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size.”
“Those conducting any open fire should use caution and be aware of local conditions that might impact their ability to burn safely and control their open fires. Anyone who lights an open fire must also comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation.”
People found in violation of the fire ban 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.