The campfire ban is being lifted in the Kamloops area as favourable fall weather conditions continue to reduce the fire danger rating.

That means as of noon today, Sept. 10, you will be able to have small fires across the Kamloops Fire Centre which extends 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.

While fire bans came into effect three months ago, on June 11, on the heels of the driest spring in the Kamloops area in 120 years, campfires were not banned until June 30, the same day most of Lytton burned to the ground during the heat dome, where temperatures were into the mid-40s.

As it stands, the fire danger rating is still moderate in the Kamloops area. It was high to extreme when the bans were brought in, though NL News heard from many local campsite that brought in their own campfire bans before the provincial ban went in.

“Although fire danger ratings have declined in the region due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire use,” the BC Wildfire Service said, in a statement. “It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations.”

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

The campfire ban was originally set to be in place until Oct. 15.

Larger Category 2 and Category 3 open fires as well as fireworks, sky lanterns, and burn barrels are still banned as of this moment with those restrictions set to be eased on Oct. 15.

Anyone found violating these restrictions may be issued a ticket for $1,150, while being required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000. If convicted in court, they could be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.

People could also be responsible to pay all firefighting and other associated costs if their actions lead to a wildfire.

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

For the latest on the current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures, or air quality advisories call 1-888-3-FOREST or go online here.