Effective at noon on Monday, Aug. 26, campfires will be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

The campfire ban is being rescinded due to recent widespread precipitation that has resulted in a decreased risk of wildfires in the region.

Anyone lighting a campfire must follow B.C.'s campfire regulations, which include the following:

• The campfire must not exceed the allowed size of a half-metre wide by a half-metre high.

• Flammable material (such a twigs and pine needles) must be removed from around the campfire area and this fuel-free area must be maintained while the campfire is burning.

• A shovel or at least eight litres of water must be on site to properly extinguish the fire.

• Never leave a campfire unattended.

• The ashes must be cool to the touch before you leave the area.

Category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited for the entire Kamloops Fire Centre. This prohibition includes all open fires larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide, fires with a burn registration number, industrial burning, fireworks, sky lanterns and burning barrels.

Anyone found in violation of an open fire ban may be issued a ticket for up to $345. If that fire leads to a wildfire, the person(s) responsible may be fined up to $1 million, spend up to three years in prison and be held accountable for associated firefighting costs.

These prohibitions cover all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but do not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments. Please check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.

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

Kayla Pepper
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5530
Kayla.Pepper@gov.bc.ca