Campfires to be banned across the Thompson-Okanagan later this week
Residents and visitors of the Thompson-Okanagan region will soon have to say goodbye to campfires as a ban is set to be implemented later this week.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the ban will take effect on Thursday, July 29 at noon and will cover all areas within the Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton, Merritt, and Lillooet fire zones. This decision was made in response to the ongoing hot and dry weather conditions, which have increased the risk of wildfires in the region.
The ban includes all open fires, including campfires, as well as the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, and tiki torches. The use of charcoal briquettes, portable campfire apparatuses, and propane or gas-fueled cooking stoves is also prohibited. However, the use of CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes is still allowed, as long as they are used on a non-combustible surface at least 30 centimeters in diameter.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds the public that the ban does not apply to cooking stoves that use electricity, as well as to CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes and are used for the purpose of heating or lighting a campsite.
The ban will remain in effect until further notice and will be lifted once the fire danger rating decreases. Violating the ban could result in a fine of up to $1,150, as well as the responsibility to pay for any firefighting costs incurred as a result of the violation.
The BC Wildfire Service urges everyone to be responsible and to follow the ban in order to prevent any potential wildfires from starting. With the current hot and dry weather conditions, it is crucial to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our communities and the protection of our natural environment.
For more information on the current wildfire situation and the ban, please visit the BC Wildfire Service website or contact your local fire department. Let us all do our part in preventing wildfires and keeping our region safe.
