Several wildfires that have sparked over the past few days have Kamloops fire officials urging the public to be careful with fire use and to pay attention to all open burning, including campfire, bans.

All open burning, including campfires and fireworks, is prohibited across the Merritt and Lillooet fire zones. A map of the restricted area is available at http://bcwildfire.ca/ftp/!Project/WildfireNews/8102011~13240_Lillooet%20and%20Merritt%20Zone%20Campfire%20Ban%20Aug.%2012,%202011.jpg

An open burning ban is in effect throughout the remainder of the fire centre that prohibits:

• Burning any waste, slash or other materials piled or un-piled at a size larger than one metre by one metre.
• Burning more than two open fires of any size at the same time.
• Burning stubble or grass over any area or size.
• Using fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description.

Please ensure fires are not lit or kept burning during windy conditions. Have adequate tools, water and people on hand to contain a fire, and ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.

So far this season, crews have responded to 209 wildfires within the Kamloops Fire Centre's boundaries, 134 of which were person-caused and therefore, entirely preventable.

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 also follow the latest wildfire news -

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo

On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contact:

Lindsay Carnes
Fire Information Officer
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5532