Effective at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 15, open fires will be permitted in all fire zones within the Kamloops Fire Centre, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Members of the public will be allowed to:

• burn waste, slash or other material
• burn stubble or grass
• use fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description

This rescinding of the open fire prohibition applies to all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments.

Anyone contemplating lighting an open fire should first check with civic authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in effect.

Anyone who wishes to light a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717. Category 3 burns must comply with the Ministry of Environment's Waste Management Act and Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Individuals who fail to meet those requirements may be subject to fines. For more information, visit: www.bcairquality.ca

People planning to conduct an open burn should use caution and follow these safety precautions:

• Locate the fire site away from buildings, trees and other combustible materials.
• Do not burn during windy conditions.
• Have adequate people, water and hand tools available to prevent the fire from escaping.
• Never leave a fire unattended.

Anyone lighting a fire must ensure that they conduct the burn safely and responsibly, as outlined in the Wildfire Act and its regulations. If an open fire escapes and is determined to have caused a wildfire, the person(s) responsible may be liable for fire suppression costs and damages.

Information on open burning, burn categories and current fire prohibitions is available on the Wildfire Management Branch's website at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

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

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Media Contact:

Melissa Welsh
Fire Information Officer
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5964
Melissa.Welsh@gov.bc.ca