Due to the ongoing threat of wildfires, high-risk activities such as cutting firewood are subject to restrictions throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

If members of the public or industry personnel plan to do any land clearing within 300 metres of grassland or a forest, they are responsible for taking measures to prevent a wildfire starting or spreading. This also applies to the use of spark-producing machinery such as welders, mowers, chainsaws, grinders, power tools and any equipment that could strike a rock and create a spark.

To help mitigate wildfire risks, people doing this sort of work may be required to have fire suppression systems and equipment available, maintain a fire watch after operations are completed and comply with shutdown regulations.

Shutdown times apply to areas where the fire danger rating has been “extreme” for more than three consecutive days. People engaged in high-risk activities should pay particular attention to the current Fire Danger Class rating in their part of the Kamloops Fire Centre, available online at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/DgrCls/index.asp?Region=5

They must also use the representative weather station data for the area where they’re operating and adhere to the shutdown formulas, according to the Restrictions on High Risk Activities that are available online at: http://bcwildfire.ca/Industry_Stakeholders/industry/HighRiskActivities.htm

Anyone who sees or causes a wildfire has an obligation to report it and take action with available resources to extinguish it, if practical. Any high-risk activities must be conducted in accordance with the Wildfire Act and Wildfire Regulation.

People should also make sure that their motorized off-road vehicles are equipped with spark arrestors, since all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles may also pose a wildfire risk.

Campfires and all open burning remain prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. This prohibition also includes a ban on fireworks, burning barrels, tiki torches and sky lanterns. Propane campfire devices are allowed, so long as they are CSA-approved or ULC-approved.

The BC Wildfire Service appreciates the public’s continued co-operation and assistance in reporting wildfires. To report smoke, flames or an open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3-FOREST.

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

• On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Learn More:

Wildfire Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/04031_01

Wildfire Regulation: http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/11_38_2005

Media Contacts:

Kayla Pepper
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 318-6959