Effective at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, the current campfire ban in the Vernon and Penticton fire zones will be rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires. Campfires will now be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

The public is reminded that campfires cannot be larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide. Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool (such as a shovel) or at least eight litres of water available nearby to fully extinguish it. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure the ashes are completely cold to the touch before leaving the area.

All other types of open burning remain prohibited within the Kamloops Fire Centre. This includes:

• The burning of any material larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide.

• The burning of stubble or grass.

• Using fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description.

Anyone found in violation of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for up to $345. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness may be fined up to $1 million, spend up to three years in prison and be held accountable for associated firefighting costs.

The Kamloops Fire Centre extends from the northern border of Wells Gray Park north of Blue River to the U.S. border in the south, and from the Bridge River Glacier west of Goldbridge to the Monashee Mountains east of Lumby.

The open fire prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.

The open fire prohibition will remain in place until the public is notified that it has been rescinded.

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

You can also follow the latest wildfire news -

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

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

Contacts:

Michaela Swan
Fire Information Officer
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5532
250 318-7456 (cell)
Michaela.Swan@gov.bc.ca

Kayla Pepper
Fire Information Officer
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5530
250 318-6959 (cell)
Kayla.Pepper@gov.bc.ca

Kevin Skrepnek
Fire Information Officer
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5964
250 371-4538 (cell)
Kevin.Skrepnek@gov.bc.ca