With soaring temperatures and an increased wildfire threat across the southern Interior, the BC Wildfire Service has announced a campfire and open burning ban across the Kamloops Fire Centre, set to take effect at noon on Thursday, August 28.

The ban includes Category 1 campfires, as well as Category 2 and 3 open fires, and will remain in effect until October 17 or until otherwise lifted.

“Campfires are still allowed [August 26 and 27] – but they must be fully extinguished before noon on Thursday,” said Cali Nessman, Fire Information Officer with the BC Wildfire Service. “After that, all three categories of open fire will be prohibited.”

The decision follows ongoing assessments by wildfire officials throughout the summer. According to Nessman, while fire danger ratings have remained manageable until now, current conditions have reached a point where a full prohibition is necessary. “We’ve been able to hold off until now, but the risk has increased,” Nessman explained. “This prohibition is about preventing human-caused wildfires and protecting public safety — which is obviously very important.”

What’s Banned?

Once the prohibition is in place, the following are not permitted:

• Category 1 campfires – recreational or ceremonial fires no larger than 0.5m x 0.5m
• Category 2 and 3 open fires
• Fireworks
• Sky lanterns
• Burn barrels and burn cages
• Air curtain burners
• Carbonizers
• Binary exploding targets
• Controlled air incinerators
• Wood-fired hot tubs and pizza ovens (unless vented through a proper flue system in a building

CSA- or ULC-rated outdoor stoves that burn charcoal, liquid, or gaseous fuel and produce a flame less than 15 cm high are still allowed.

Penalties for Violations

Violating the open burning prohibition can result in:

• A $1,150 fine
• An administrative penalty up to $10,000
• Court fines up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail
• Liability for firefighting costs if the fire causes a wildfire

Anyone who sees illegal burning activity is urged to report it. “If you see someone conducting a campfire or any other prohibited fire, even before the ban takes effect, report it to the Report All Poachers and Polluters line,” Nessman said.

“That number is 1-877-952-7277.”