Large Category 3 fires have been banned across the Kamloops Fire Centre as of noon next Thursday, June 30.

The ban, which will be effect until Oct. 15, is being enacted to help prevent human-caused wildfires and to protect public safety across the Kamloops Fire Centre, which runs from Blue River in the north to the U.S. border, and from Bridge River in the west to the Monashee Mountains in the east.

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.

“The Kamloops Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its continuing help in preventing wildfires,” the Ministry said, in a statement.

“Anyone conducting Category 3 open fires within the Kamloops Fire Centre’s jurisdiction must extinguish those fires by the June 30 deadline.”

The prohibition does not ban Category 2 fires or campfires nor does it apply to gas, propane or briquette cooking stoves.

The Ministry of Forests says the ban applies to all public and private land within the Kamloops Fire Centre, unless specified otherwise in a local government bylaw.

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.