Effective at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15, open fires will once again 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.

This rescinding of the current 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 local authorities to see if any other 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.
• Ensure that the fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

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 

The Kamloops Fire Centre stretches from the northern border of Wells Gray Park near Blue River to the U.S. border in the south, and from the Bridge River Glacier west of Gold Bridge to the Monashee Mountains east of Lumby. A map of the Kamloops Fire Centre is available online at: http://bit.ly/11jkw3x

Media Contacts:

Kayla Pepper
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5532