The public is reminded that there is a campfire ban in place for the Lillooet and Merritt fire zones. For those zones not covered by a campfire ban, the public is urged to never leave a campfire unattended or until it is fully extinguished.

Last weekend in the Interior and Okanagan, fire officials discovered 16 unattended or abandoned campfires and 14 active campfires in areas under a campfire ban.

Fire officials took the opportunity last weekend to educate the public on bans, restrictions and campfire regulations. Now while conducting patrols, enforcement personnel will be actively ticketing those people found in contravention of the Wildfire Act.

Quick Facts:

Campfires are banned in the Lillooet and Merritt fire zones and must remain under a half metre by a half metre in size in all other fire zones. Map of restricted area can be found at: http://bcwildfire.ca/ftp/!Project/WildfireNews/8102011~13240_Lillooet%20and%20Merritt%20Zone%20Campfire%20Ban%20Aug.%2012,%202011.jpg

Anyone found in contravention of an open fire restriction may be issued a ticket for $345, or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.

Since April 1, there have been 180 wildfires within the Kamloops Fire Centre's boundaries, of which 119 were person-caused.

Although fire activity has been below average, the recent hot and dry conditions have increased the fire danger rating and wildfire risk throughout the region.

Officials have responded to 74 campfire related incidents this season which diverts resources from extinguishing natural occurring fire starts.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellular phone or toll-free at 1-800 663-5555.

Learn More:

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to http://www.bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca.

You can follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:

• On Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Kayla Pepper
Fire Information Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and
Natural Resource Operations
250 554-5530
250 318-6959

Kevin Skrepnek
Fire Information Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and
Natural Resource Operations
250 554-5964
250 318-7456