Effective at noon on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, the current open burning ban will be completely rescinded within the Kamloops Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://bit.ly/1K6Omqv

The rescind order covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but it does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. Before lighting any fire, residents should check with local civic authorities to see if any other burning restrictions are in place.

Anyone who lights an open fire must have sufficient personnel, water and tools on hand to prevent the fire escaping. Anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717 and must comply with air quality control legislation.

A Category 3 fire is a fire that burns:

• material piled more than two metres in height or three metres in width
• stubble or grass covering more than 0.2 hectares
• more than two piles of any size

For more information about open burning and tips on making responsible burning decisions, please download an open burning guide at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

The Kamloops Fire Centre stretches from the northern border of Wells Gray Provincial Park 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.

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

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the BC Wildfire Service website: www.bcwildfire.ca

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